



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap . £23 Copyright No. 

Shelfj. A 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 









































































Aida RochsDege and the 
White Stone. 


TODAY’S PROBLEM, 


A Presbyterial Romance 



“Not myself, but the truth in life I have spoken. 

Not myself, but the seed that in life I have sown 
I shall pass on to ages, all about me forgotten, 
Save the truth I have spoken, the things I have 
done.” 


“Once to every man and nation comes the 
moment to decide. 

In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the 
good or evil side.” 


Lowell — “The Present Crisis.” 


Calvert Bros., Printers, 
Rockford, 111. 


Copyrighted 1897, 
by Mary E. Holmes 



n 




■•ft.**! 



/// 


To the 

PATRIOTIC DAUGHTERS 

of Church and State 

Is 4 his simple story of an earnest life 
for country and for Christ 

LOVINGLY TRANSCRIBED 

by their loyal sisters of Freeport Pres- 
byterial Home Missionary 
Society, Synod of 
Illinois. 


CONTENTS. 

I. Linn-Hebron Society, 

Mrs. Sue Froman Matthews. 

II. Polo Society, 

Mrs. Annistan Waterbury. 

III, Harvard Society, 

Mrs. Gerty Goodknecht. 

IV. Argyle Society, 

Mrs. W. I. Alexander. 

V. Ridgefield Society. 

Miss Lizzie Furney. 

VI. Freeport 2nd Church Society, 
Mrs. B. A. Arnold. 

VII. Cedarville Society, 

Miss Margaret Wright. 

VIII. Winnebago Society, 

Mib. Parsons. 

IX. Marengo Society, 

Mrs, Francis Wolloben. 

X. Woodstock Society, 

Mrs. J. R. Hyde. 

XI. Hanover Society, 

Miss Lizzie Arnold. 

XII. Rockford 1st Church Society, 

Mrs. Hovey. 

XIII. Rockford Westminster Society, 

Miss Mary E. Holmes, Ph. D. 


PREFACE. 

Previous to the Fifteenth Annual 
meeting of the Presbyterial Home 
Missionary Society of Freeport Pres- 
bytery, Synod of Illinois, our presi- 
dent, Miss Mary E. Holmes, Ph. D., 
of Rockford, Ills., proposed to each 
local society that we celebrate our 
fifteenth birthday by writing a “com- 
posite missionary story,” each society 
to furnish a chapter. 

The only specific directions were — 
the time limit, io minutes for reading 
aloud; that no chapter was to be fully 
complete, but threads left for the next 
writer to carry forward; that through- 
out there should be a missionary trend 
and that each local society should 
choose its own representative writer. 
The Proposal was heartily accepted. 
No. i wrote and sent her manuscript 
to our President, who later passed it to 
to No, 2. She wrote and returned 
both manuscripts to our President who 
again passed them to No. 3, and so on. 
We are sorry the roll call of societies 


is not quite complete, but some begged 
off from work so untried by them, 
though in cordial sympathy with the 
m ovement. 

Of the interest of our story and the 
ingenuity developed by the writers in 
presenting so largely a sketch from 
life — time, names and places being 
generally changed — the reader must 
judge, but of our pleasure and in- 
creased iuterest, each local society can 
testify. 

May the happy experiences of un- 
broken and hearty service for our 
Country and our Lord, during these 
fifteen years, stimulate us and others 
to greater fidelity in the future- 

Sweet is the reward of duty faithfully 
performed, 

The Auxiliary Societies. 


CHAPTER I. 


“God moves in a mysterious way.” 

T HE morning sum was sending 
Mis golden beams across the 
country scene, covering the 
fresh, green grass with a 
shimmer of light, painting the thrifty 
farmhouse in a deeper tint of orange, 
peering into the evergreens with a warm 
cairess for the sleeping bird's and laugh- 
ing in the face of Alectryoni, as he 
perched upon the fence to hail the god of 
day. 

A long drove of Jersey and Holstein 
cows wended their way to the pasture 
field, and swift through the air sped the 
busy bee towar d the southland, in search 
of the first clover patch, that, ere Phoe- 
bus could rein his steed behind the west- 
ern woodland, they might return laden 
with milk and honey. 

The proud gobbler strutted back and 
forth in the yard, and in threatening 


6 AIDA RCOKSBEGE AND 

tones, warned the intruder from follow- 
ing his companion to the hiding of her 
nesit. The Poland-China pigs grunted 
ini satisfaction over their well-filled 
stomachs and the gentle lambs gam- 
noled in the early breeze. 

There was an appearance of peace and 
plenty, of industry and economy, of 
beauty and happiness over all this hun- 
dred acres of an ideal, farm. The quiet 
elegance of the dwelling, the space and 
cleanliness of the industrial buildings 
and the methodical execution of labor 
was indicative of the perfection of char- 
acter, and strength of influence embod- 
ied in the educated farmer. Tall and 
straight, lithe and light, firmly built and 
strong of sinew, the owner of this place 
stood with one foot resting upon the step 
of the front entrance of his home, his 
right hand shading his deep blue eyes, 
as he gazed intently toward the cast 
while the wind ooyed with the light 
brown locks that fell about his intellect- 
ual forehead. Motionless he stood un- 
til the top of a carriage appeared over the 


THE WHITE STONE. 7 

little hill on Ham wok street. A glad 
smile displayed a mouth of matchless 
teeith. With a glance toward the parlor? 
window, where, seated behind the plate 
glass was the mistress of hisi home and 
the mother of his boy, he joyfully ex-* 
claimed: “She’s coming, Mary, dear; 
she is coming!” then hastened to the 
carriage block. 

Mary Rocksbeige remained' seated at 
the window, but followed her husband 
with an expression on her sou led face 
that only angels could interpret. She 
was the daughter of one of the North’s 
gentlemen, a member of a large family 
where education along important lines 
of humanity, music and industry had 
been conscientiously inculcated. Pos- 
sessing a deep, spiritual nature, ibroad- 
enedi by the love of Christ, and made 
beautiful in active charity, there was 
no room in her heart for evil impulses, 
no time for unholy thoughts. 

About a dozen years before, while on 
an excursion in the south, she had met 


8 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

Richard Rocksbege, who, accompanied 
by his little dlaugbter of five summers, 
joined! her party through the introduc- 
tion of a distant friend and relative. A 
correspondence followed, and in less 
than two years the affaire d’ amour was 
consummated, and the southern gentle- 
man persuaded to part with the 1 sunny 
south for the. bright smiles of his north- 
ern bride — with the romantic home of 
hits childhood for the practical beauties 
of a dairy farm. 

This union had been blessed! with 
the coming of one great-hearted, blue- 
eyed boy, the pride of his father and joy 
of his mother. The daughter, by a 
former alliance, had been sent to a 
boarding-school, and her father had 
strong hope of her brilliant success in 
the literary world. Very great was his 
disappointment, when, having finished 
her college course, she desired to become 
a missionary of the cross. The moun- 
tain whites engaged' all her thoughts. 
Her father, believing it only temporary 
enthusiasm, consented to her taking a 


THE WHITE STONE. 


9 


school in the Cumberland mountains!, at 
a desolate little hamlet known as Berhon 
Ridge. During the year that Aida 
Rocksbege lived in the mountains of 
Kentucky, her weekly letters were a con- 
stant pleasure and interest to her father. 
Her pictures of these mountaineers, 
their depravity and suffering, coupled 
with their innate loyalty to our country, 
and their natural grasp for some form 
of religion, opened to him visions of a 
higher Christian life, and an apprecia- 
tion of his daughter's sacrifices. Her 
letters were prayerfully read in the 
home circle, and her little half-brother 
Ira carefully preserved them for the 
“Boys’ Mission band,” which he had 
helped to organize for the “mountain 
whites.” 

However, there came a day when a 
letter from Berhon Ridge brought con- 
sternation to the home in Hamwok 
street. Aida had given up her school of 
poor whites, amid gone to N — , Mis- 
sissippi, in the very heart of the colored 
people, there to spend and be spent for 


10 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


the upbuilding: of this long-neglected 
race. The letter was addresed to Ira, 
and as he read it aloud, there escaped 
Ifromi his father’s lips an ejaculation of 
such unutterable sorrow that the boy- 
dropped the letter, and could never be 
induced to listen to any reference to the 
dark race. The mother deeply sympa- 
thizing, bowed her head in prayer. 
There existed a union and confidence 
between father and' daughter which she 
had never been permitted to share, and 
she was not surprised, when Richard 
Rocksbege arose with pale, but resolute 
countenance declaring his intention to 
go south. 

The journey was made, and' father 
and daughter spent a memorable week 
together. When Richard Rocksbege re- 
turned, he was a changed man. He 
seemed overwhelmed with a deep sorrow 
— as one patiently submitting to the con- 
sequence of some unpardonable sin. 

Aida’s letters, full of enthusiastic ac- 
counts of her work at N continued 

to come. She often referred to the won- 


THE WHITE STONE. 11 

derful power of music over the race. By- 
her songs she could control an army of 
colored people. She would* entrance 
them with the melody of song, then lead 
their souls toi God in some grand old 
hymn. They almost always desired 
earnestly to be able to read the Word for 
themselves, and begged for moire' knowl- 
edge of the way. From each new grace 
implanted in their empty souls was born 
an impulse for good. 

The father sought 1 a retired' place to 
read her letters alone, which strength- 
ened Ira’s determination to take no in-* 
terest in them. They were, however, 
given to his little playmate and chum, 
Graoe Harvey, who, in a spirit of zeal for 
the neglected cause, organized a “Girls' 
Mission band” to help Miss Aida in her 
new work. 

Time glided by. At the end of two 
years, Richard Rocksbege received a 
telegram announcing the sudden return 
of his daughter. Ira met her at the 
station and soon drove with her into the 
yard. He sprang from the carriage* 


12 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


dropping the top, and Aida was clasped 
in her father’s arms. Her large, black, 
humid eyes looked into his with loving 
gratitude. Her jet black hair fell away 
from her forehead in glossy waves and 
was caught up in a braided coil. Her 
stately figure — 5 feet 6 inches — was well 
formed; her countenance was beautiful, 
but there was in it an expression more 
of sadness than of joy. Wiith rare ac- 
complishments and strength of charac- 
ter, she could reign as queen in any 
cultured society; yet she had chosen to 
be ostracised by her equals, and jeered 
at by her inferiors. She had chosen it 
from a sense of duty, and to do her Mas- 
ter’s will. Ira stood quietly in admira- 
tion of his handsome sister, while his 
mother came slowly forward to greet her. 
She would have embraced and kissed 
her, but Aida (bowed low and left a kiss 
upon her hand, and Mrs. Rocksbege 
thought: “She is jealous of me still! 
Will I never succeed in winning her? 
in making her less cold and distant.” 

The father’s countenance betrayed 


THE WHITE STONE. 


13 


sorrow, vexation and horror. Ira gath- 
ered the valises and lead the way to her 
room. Alone, Aida fell upon her knees, 
and later, arose with a cheerful face and 
joined the family in the parlor. She 
quickly gave an account of her trip — re- 
lating several amusing incidents for 
Ira’s benefit, and his little friend Grace's 
— who always happened over when any 
event of interest was occurring. 

After dinner, father and daughter 
sought the hammock, hung between two 
beautiful maple trees which seemed ever 
whispering to each other of the secrets 
told beneath their shade. 

“Now, Aida,” said Mr. Rocksbege, 
“tell me what brought you home so sud- 
denly.” 

“I cannot tell you, Father.” 

“Cannot tell me! Have I ever kept a 
Secret from you?” 

“One secret you kept for years.” 

“Would to God I had kept it still.” 

“Sometimes I, too, wish it were so.” 

“I thought you were dying, dear, and 
in the hope of securing peace to my con- 


14 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

science, I revealed the fact to you” sad- 
ly spoke her father. 

“Forgive me, dear Father, I do not wish 
to make you more sorrowful by my 
home-coming. It is best as it is. We 
should be glad at all times to know the 
truth.” 

“If the truth could make you free.” 

“I am free! Free as the bird's of the 
air, and will remain free as an eagle on 
the wing. Yes, I have come home to 
say ‘good-bye/ and then fly away to 
Africa. I can remain in the south no 
longer.” 

“Aida! Aida!” said Mr. Rocksbege;, as 
he arose and stood before his daughter. 

“Do not say me nay, dear Father. I 
must go.” 

“Why must you go? I let you work 
for the mountaineers because you be- 
lieved his Spirit drew you there. I con- 
sented to your remaining among the 
colored people because the Macedonian 
cry wasi calling to you from among them. 
Is God’s hand in this! to thus separate 
you from me by the great ocean!” 


THE WHITE STONE. 


15 


“I do not know, dear Father.” 

“You do not know? You had no 
doubts as to your former calls. Give 
me the advantage of this doubt; and do 
not leave our native land.” 

“I love my native land, and I was very 
happy in the south.” 

“Pray, why may you not continue hap- 
py there?” 

“Not now.” 

“Do you rebel against the treatment 
of the aristocracy? the ostracism of so- 
ciety? I warned you of that when I 
went to see you*” 

“All that weighs only as a feather 
against the approbation of my Savior.” 

“Will you not tell me. Aida, whence 
any trouble has arisen?” 

“Perhaps, but not now.” 

“You will not leave for a foreign field 
without enlightening me!” 

“No, sir, for I must have your sanc- 
tion andi your blessing.” 

“Thank you, dear. Here comes Ira 
and Grace Harvey. I will leave you 
with them awhile. 


16 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


“Aida,” said both children in the same 
breath; “you will attend the meeting of 
our mission band, won’t you?” 

“Certainly; do you meet together?” 

“No, no!” they replied contemptuous- 
ly. 

“Then I trust you meet at different 
homes.” 

“No, but you will meet with ‘us,’ ” each 
child contended. 

“If you do not hold your meetings too 
far apart, I may divide the time between 
you.” 

“I want you to tell us about mountain 
whites,” said Ira. 

“We want to learn more of your col- 
ored 1 school,” said Grace. 

After considerable talking, the plans 
were all carried out to the satisfaction 
of both children. 

Several days after the above, Aida, in 
the hammock, had read herself asleep. 
Two little birds in the tree were cooing 
and caressing each other as they occa- 
sionally peeked down at the slumberer, 
intent on a stray lock of glossy hair 


THE WHITE STONE. 17 

the wind seemed bent on carrying away, 
that they might secure it for their newly 
made nest. Three dainty gophers came 
across the path, and poised with fore- 
feet aloft, stretched their necks to peer 
into the face of the beautiful girl. A 
serious squirrel leaped' from limb to 
limb and chuckled to warn the sleeper 
of the approach of a stranger. But lulled 
to sleep by the gentle breeze and the 
peaceful atmosphere of the country 
home, the maid was not easily brought 
back from the land of dreams. 

A young man of medium height, grace- 
fully formed, with dark hair, a heavy 
moustache, large, earnest eyes, and a 
bearing which revealed that 

“His life was gentle, and the elements 
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand 
up 

And say to all the world, ‘This is a man/ " 

rod'e into the yard, threw the rein of his 
bridle over the hitching post, and seeing 
the object of his search, soon stood be- 
side the hammock and gazed into 

“That face— 

How beautiful! If sorrow had not made 
Sorrow more beautiful than beauty’s self!" 


18 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


Ira and Grace from the parlor win- 
dow saw the stranger. 

“Come,” said Ira; “let’s go and see 
what he wants. He might touch her.” 

1 “No|, he won'’ t,”\saM Grate. “Isjn’tbe 
handsome? Let’s watch till Aida opens 
her eyes.” 

“No, come on,” said Ira. “He will 
frighten her.” 

“Frightened at a man that looks as, he 
does ! That’s all you knew about girls.” 

“Oh, if a fellow is good, looking, you 
don’t think he can do anything wrong.” 

“Everybody that is good is good-look- 
ing. Mother says character shows! as 
plainly as the nose on one’s face.” 

“Look!” said Ira, “Aida has opened 
her eyes.” 

“Why don’t she move?” asked Grace. 

“She is looking straight at him,” said 
Ira. “She must be scared!” 

“No, she is glad,” persisted Grace. 

“Then, why don’t they speak?” asked 
Ira. “See how white she is! There is 
a flush on her cheek and tears in her eyes. 
Come with me and fin'd Mother. It must 


THE WHITE STONE. 


19 


be some friend come to see Aida.” 

The children disappeared from the 
window. When Aida Rocksbeige opened 
her eyesi under the influence of Duane 
Leeiand’s strong, gaze, she thought the 
vision was a. continuation of heir dream, 
and was loth to move and break the spell. 
When the silvery tones of his quiiet voice 
©poke: “Miss Aida,” the dewdrops 
sparkled 1 in her eyes, and the roses suf- 
fused her cheeks. Some moments passed 
before she could arise and control her 
voice. 

"Mr. Leeland, why are you here?” 
she asked. 

“To see you in your father’s home. 
Am I not welcome ?” 

“You are welcome but you are not 
kind,.” 

He seated himself in the hammock by 
her side, and with that straight-forward 
earnestness, peculiar to the southerner, 
spoke directly to the point. 

“Dear Miss Aida, why will you not end 
all this unhappiness, and consent to be- 


2C AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

com-e my wife? I have followed you 
north, hoping that under your father's 
influence you might he persuaded to 
yield to my desire.” 

“Go back to your home and your 
friends. I will not become your wife ! ” 

“And yet you love me,” said Duane. 

“You surprised me into' that confes-- 
sion when the warm sun was coquetting 
with the solemn waters of the Missis- 
sippi.” 

“And the north wind has not cooled 
the flame?” asked Duane, gazing earn- 
estly into her face. 

“Kabibonokkahas been less cruel than 
Skawandnsee,” she answered with a 
smile. 

“I shall interpret you according to my 
liking. You are less cold under the in- 
fluence of the fierce Kabibonokka than 
when the south wind 

“ ‘Once as he was gazing northward 
Far away upon the prairie, 

He beheld a maiden standing, 

Saw a tall and slender maiden 
All alone upon a prairie; . . . 

Day by day his heart within him 
Grew more hot with love and longing.’ ” 


THE WHITE STONE. 


21 


“You can’t continue,” interrupted 
Aida, for he was not ‘too indolent and 
lazy to pursue her, and — ’ ” she hesitated, 
when Duane completed the quotation, 
“ ‘persuade her.’ ” 

He threw his whole soul into those last 
two words, but she turned from him and 
in serious accents said: “I have con- 
secrated my life to the blessed Master. 
For his suffering', people it shall be 
spent.” 

“We can spend our lives together for 
Him. I will join you in your school and 
live with you among the Negroes. De- 
vote all my time and fortune to them, 
and count ilt sweetest joy for being with 
you.” 

‘The contempt of your family, the 
scoffs of your companions, the ill-treat- 
ment of all your former friends would 
soon tell upon, your happiness.” 

“I have foresworn them already. I 
have told my parents that I was going 
north to seek and to marry the teacher 
of our colored school. I received their 
parting curse, and have left my home 


22 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


forever — unless I return to the vicinity 
with you as my bride.” 

“You are a :brave man.” 

“I have nothing more to* lose. I have 
joyfully sacrificed all for you. Y ou can- 
not continue to refuse to make me hap- 
py.” 

“I value you too highly to do Other 
than to refuse.” 

“I cannot understand you. Were your 
love like mine, you could not live with- 
out me.” 

“It is because my love for you is deep- 
er, more lasting and more unselfish. It 
is the sweetest stay of my life that I have 
known you, and in heaven, when we 
meet in spirit, pure- and white, meet as 
equals, y ou may claim me as your own.” 

“We cau never be equals,” said' Duane 
Deeland, while the blood rushed to Aida's 
face. “You are as superior to me as the 
angels of heaven.” 

“Among, the redeemed I trust we will 
be equal. If labor and consecration to 
our Savior’s blessed mission work will 
lift me to a higher plane in the here- 


THE WHITE STONE. 


23 . 


after, you may hope to find me there.” 

“Then I must not be behind you in the 
work. Where shall I go? Wbalt can I 
do? May I aspire to anything worthy 
in the great cause that has taken you 
from me? Will any joy come to my poor 
soul when Miss Aida is away?” 

“Go to New Mexico or to Alaska and 
work for the Master. There is no real 
happiness but in doing good for the dear 
Christ’s sake.” 

“I will do as you bid me. Then prom- 
ise me that some day you will tell me- 
your reasons for compelling me to take 
this great work, single-handed and 
alone.” 

“I can never tell you; but should you 
chance to be present when my body is 
lying cold and still, and my spirit is ab- 
sent wi th Him who made it, you may ask 
for a little case that hangs around my 
neck. Open it, and read my secret; 
then replace it in my grave, and know 
that my soul, pure and white, is smiling 
on you from the skies, rejoicing that I 
loved you too wiell to mar your life, and 
win you from this mission, work.” 


24 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

He bowed his head upon his hands, 
and his strong frame was convulsed with 
grief. 

“Dear friend;,” she continued, “do not 
make our parting more paintful to me. 
You little know what thliis sacrifice costs 
me. You oannoit know how much I 
suffer. Here is my father; come, let us 
join him.” 

The young man met the; family, Grace 
Harvey included, and several days 
passed in this lovely country home. In 
a private conversation with Mr. Rocks- 
bege, the young southerner found; the 
father approved his daughter’s decision,, 
and the morning of his departure 
was decided. In the evening previous, 
he stood alone with Aida, on. the beauti- 
ful lawn, and watched the stars twinkle 
in the “silver river of heaven.” 

“Miss Aida, I must say good-bye to 
you tonight. We must part when only 
the listening angels are present. Tell 
me once more that you love me, and that 
you will pray for me always.” 

She looked intently into his great, sad 




THE WHITE STONE. 


25 


eye© and said, “Mr. Leeland, I love you, 
and will pray for you continually.” 
Then wiith a little gasp she added, “I 
would be willing to die, could I throw 
my arms about your neck, and drink 
deep of one parting kiss.” 

Oh! how his heart leaped with joy, but 
her hand stayed his advancing, step, and 
she continued : “I would die ten thousand 
deaths rather than, permit you to touch 
me.” 

He turned away saying: “Strange, 
strong, beautiful woman!” 


2C 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER II. 

“The field is the world.” 

Beautiful she was and strong because 
she leaned on One whose strength is as 
the measure of His lovei, which never 
fails. 

In one short week after this hour of 
agony had driven her to refuge in the 
Everlasting Arms, as never before, her 
father, the only one on earth who fully 
understood her, was brought home dead, 
having been killed in a runaway acci- 
dent. What wonder if from her burst- 
ing heart broke forth that cry first ut- 
tered on Calvary, “My Cod, my Gold, 
why hast thou forsaken, me ?” A greater 
wonder, — she was yet to gain that peaces 
fnl rest and say with him, “Thy will he 
done.” She was as one in a dream. The 
preparations for the last sad rites were 
to her mechanical, — one and another 


THE WHITE STONE. 


27 


friend spoke words of comfort, but to no 
one did 1 she respond as was her wont. 
Even little Ira, with heart filled with 
childish sympathy and a half oomsi one- 
ness of his loss, could not awaken his 
sister’s simile or tear, and upon the 
mother devolved the various duties of 
the day. The following week, Deacon 
Foster, an uncle of Mrs. Rocksbege, 
with 1 his wife came to comfort their 
neice irn her affliction, and do what loving 
hands and Christ-like sympathy could 
io for the bereaved household. Time 
passed quickly, and e/re they realized it 
the hour cam/e when they must return to 
their home. Aunty Foster’s heart 
yearned for the desolate Aida, and she 
proposed to take her home with her to 
“rest awhile,” — a proposition gladly 
seconded by her husband, and cordially 
accepted by the almost paralyzed girl. 
After thre© days by water and by rail — 
passing through scenes of summer glory 
and autumn beauty, this southern-born 
maiden found 1 herself in a strange coun- 
try. Deacon Foster’s son Phil, a lad in 


23 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

his teens, was at the station with his 
democrat wagon as a carriage, and the 
old black horse. 

Bait who that ever entered the home 
that awaited them could forget the 
charm that made the place gloriously 
happy for so many hearts. A plain 
one-story and a half farm-house, glisten- 
ing in its coat of white paint, the well- 
kept lawn with a few shade trees, and a 
great climbing rose over the front door. 
Neatness and a wise economy appeared 
everywhere. What secret in that home 
made it dear to* so many hearts}? How 
did this old couple carry on their daily 
work, and yet welcome so graciously all 
who came, as to leave a very benediction 
as they passed. The father and two sons 
carried on 1 Ithe farm, yet none ever met 
the deacon in his farmer’s blouse with- 
out feeling himself before a gentleman 
of “the olden time.” None were seated 
at the generously set and daintily served 
table of that home, without feeling the 
charm of the gracious hostess whose own 
hand had worked the butter, and made 


THE WHITE STONE. 


29 


the fluffy “short cakes.” Would there 
were many more suioh “model homes” in 
the great Badger state. After a refresh- 
ing tea, this time prepared by “the 
boys,” but heartily enjoyed by all, Aida 
retired to her room, a.nd through the 
open window, watched the moon rising 
higher and higher, til calmed, she bowed 
to thank her Heavenly Father for all the 
way she had been led, and soon was 
sleeping quietly. 

With the early light of the morning 
sun a strange thing occurred. Was it 
from the very atmosphere of the home, 
car a benediction! for the day, in answer to 
the evening family prayer? The laslt 
I wieen. As she arose and looked! about, 
she saw the quilt beneath her coverlet, — 
the quaint device of some artistic soul, 
who, having neither marble nor clay, 
had wrought her fancy in linen and cot- 
ton. Birds and beasts of bright colors, 
fashioned with no mean skill upon a 
white foundation. There was the camel 
and the dromedary, a lion and a lamb, 
with flowers in profusion. The incon- 


30 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


gruity of the wholie assemblage, and her- 
self beneath them all,, struck her pecu- 
liarly and for the first time since her 
father’s death she broke out in a merry 
laugh, followed quickly by a shower of 
tears. 

“Oh! I know,” she said, “this is the 
chamber of peace,” and with new m.ean>- 
img she sang softly, yet distinctly, “Near- 
er my God to thee, E’en though it be a 
cross that raiseth me.” Ever after the 
memory of this “chamber of peace” 
brought a soothing sense of reconcilia- 
tion to God’s will. 

A light tap at the door. “Mother” 
Foster appeared In neat, light calico 
dress and blue gingham apron; about 
her neck the always favorite white linen 
collar. “I heard you singing and so 
stepped up to say breakfast is ready. I 
did not intend! to waken you after your 
long journey.” That was “Mother” 
Foster. She, too, had the same “long 
ride,” but had already been at work two 
full hours. 

“It does seem good to get some of Moth- 


THE WHITE STONE. 31 

er’s tea. Bob is a pretty good cook, but 
I would recognize Mother’s tea it I were 
to find it in Japan,” said Phil. 

“She always uses Japan tea, and of 
course you’d smell it there,” replied Bob. 

Breakfast and prayers being over, 
Aida watched the household machinery, 
no hurry, no worry, just a quiet little 
woman, with one pair of skillful hands 
to do, it all, yet by 2 p. m. everything was 
complete, and the dear little lady dressed 
even more neatly, though in calico still, 
sat down to the work basket, to chat and 
to mend. 

The deacon joined the circle, and en- 
deavored to make the home cheerful for 
his niece. Time fails me to tell of this 
lovely, practical, Christian home. Fri- 
day night brought their daughter, Lucy, 
home from the Seminary at B — . She 
was accompanied by her dearest mate, 
Miss Alice Williams, who, after gradu- 
ating, was to sail as a missionary to In- 
dia. 

Now the sympathy of the family wid- 
ened still more, and not one, but two 


32 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

orphans were received, one from the 
southland, the other soon to go to the far 
east. Community in a great purpose 
binds hearts quickly and closely to- 
gether, and the three girls were as the 
Three Graces in the deacon’s household. 
That evening the dear old gentleman 
prayed most earnestly for them all, 
prayed that they might be one with the 
Father, and devoted to His service, wher- 
ever His providence should guide. 

Saturday night brought the usual 
try sting time for Lucy and her mother 
in the family bedroom . Softly and; sadly 
they commented over a chest of beautif ul 
garments, that was to have been the 
trousseau of the elder sister, Mary, whose 
marriage, to Rev. Henry Bell of Florida 
was not consummated, for the angels 
were in haste to carry her to a brighter 
home, that the “new name” might be 
given to her there. 

The mother heart still fondly cher- 
ished the dainty garments, though a year 
had passed. At last the Christ-love ab- 
sorbed the mother-love, and findffag 


THE WHITE STONE. 33 

Lucy’s friend, Alice, with a meagre outfit, 
and just Mary’s size, the beautiful gar- 
ments were given to her. Aunty Foster 
felt that her angel daughter smiled from 
heaven upon her gift, and God would 
bless the wearer in India, The sabbath 
text thrilled one heart at least. It was 
the “Inasmuch’’ verse. Another heart 
thrilled strangely when the closing hymn 
was sung. Aidia had long been consid- 
ered an accomplished vocalist, but the 
peculiar pathos in her voice: that day, 
struck every ear of the congregation, till, 
ere the last stanza was reached, voice 
after voice was silenced, and she alone 
sang on unconsciously: 

“Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee, 

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, — 

Still all my prayer shall be, 

Nearer my God to thee, 

Nearer to thee.” 

“Gee wlhiz ! Mother, I say it’s a shame to 
have such a girl as that with such a voice 
go off to a lot of Neigroesi,” said Phil, as 
they prepared dinner. 

The deacon expressed the same thought 
as he said to Aida herself: “Do you now 


34 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


my dear child, that God' has granted you 
a wonderful gift, and you may use it for 
Him just as much, if you never go on a 
mission.” 

The following morning the three 
friends separated. What of their objects 
and their work? 


THE WHITE STONE. 


35 


CHAPTER III. 

Nine miles! and 1 tlie station is to be 
reached by nine o’clock in the morning:! 
As the alarm clock strikes the hour of 
four, up leaps Mrs. Foster from her 
couch, to complete her daughter’s pack- 
ing, as school opens the following day. 
Full} 0$ enthusiasm for her success, noth- 
ing was counted a sacrifice, but every- 
thing needful a pleasure. While Mr. 
Foster and the boys were milking and 
doing the morning chores, she prepared 
the morning meal, buit not now alone, 
for Lucy was early with her mother, 
sparing every step she could. Her heart 
was full of love, and her delicate, white, 
hands were not slow to prove it as she 
hastened to pare the potatoes and slice 
the meat. Soon other footsteps echo 
in the halls, and Alice and Aida appear, 
but pass on to the hammock for the 
4 good-bye talk.” 


36 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


Being seated, Alice began: “I suppose 
we shall miss greatly our dear friends 
v/hen we really find ourselves separated, 
you in the south and I on the other side 
of the water, in a heathen land ! ” 

“I know we shall,” said Aida, “but I 
do not think of that, let it discourage me 
and I shun my duty. We must watch 
against just such temptations as that. 
The devil has peculiar ways of creeping 
in and delaying our work for the Masi- 
ter. The promise: ‘Lo! I am with you 
always, even unto the end,’ is a great 
comfort.” 

“Another precious assurance is: 
‘Without me ye can do nothing.’ What 
an inspiration to a close fellowship with 
Christ,” said Alice. “Then there will be 
so much to take my attention: new 
scenes, new customs, everything so dif- 
ferent; I shall not have time to think on 
the ‘might-bes’ or ‘might-have-beens.’ 
How do you think I will get along with 
the food?” 

“You will have to refrain from eating 
meat in that hot country, for ‘if meat 


THE WHITE STONE. 


37 


make my brother to> offend,’ or my sister 
sick, .she must eat no meat while she is in 
India. But seriously, we must think 
more of how* to remove the deceitfulness 
and immorality of the people.” 

“Yes,” replied Alice, “even after they 
are converted, their ideas of ‘mime’ and 
^ thine’ are very crude.” 

“But,” added Aida, “we should not ex- 
pect them to jump from deeip heathen- 
ism into perfect Christianity. God’s 
grace in the heart is a mustard seed and 
must grow. W e are not perfect as Chris- 
tians ourselves in this favored land. We 
have not learned that in the true Chris- 
tian there is no ‘mime,’ but all is ‘thime’ 
under the principle of ‘love thy neigh- 
bor as thyself.’ ” 

“I shall try not to expect too much, hut 
sow the seed faithfully and trust for the 
harvest. The language will trouble me ; 
studying, from books, and speaking di- 
rectly are two very different things. 

“We do not look for ease — we go as 
servants. I want to be faithful, and 
consider all annoyances and disappoint- 


38 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

ments not as trials in the usual sense, 
but as needed discipline, sent to fit me 
for better service.” 

“I do so love to talk with you about 
these things. You have had a deeper, 
truer experience than I, and I would 
learn from you. Did you ever think 
of Jesus as a foreign missionary? Why 
was he not? He certainly gave up His 
Father’s glory for a home with sinful 
men.” 

Here the conversation suddenly 
stopped, and the girls found themselves 
out on the ground, for Lucy, creeping 
cantiously up, had given the hammock 
an unexpected toss. After a merry 
frolic, all scampered in to the breakfast 
table. At family worship, Aida stepped 
to the organ and lead the singing of “I 
need thee every hour,” touching thus 
the lives of each. At this last gathering 
together, it was proposed they “pray 
around,” which was gladly seconded by 
all the company. The heart of each 
was full, and they gladly told it to their 
Savior. 


THE WHITE STONE. 


39 


At breakfast Mrs. Foster was unus- 
ually quiet; a great trial stood before her,, 
for soon her precious Mary ’s outfit would 
be placed in Alice’s trunk. How could 
she ipart with it? Her heart sank within 
her, but the offering was made, greatly 
to Alice’s delight, for she could not en- 
ter fully into the tender attachment of 
the mother for the garments of her de- 
ceased child. 

Everything being ready the girls and 
Phil started for the station. “Such a 
lovely morning for these delightful hills; 
let us remember forever this last ride,” 
said Lucy. 

Though strangers a few days before, 
Alice and Aida were now warm, friends. 
Soon the cars arrived and the girls sped 
away — Alice to her destination in India, 
and Lucy for a few more weeks of col- 
lege life — while Aida and Phil turned 
homeward. The following days seemed 
quiet, but Mrs. Foster and her niece had 
many real heart-talks, and often the aunt 
was astonished at the depth of the young 
girl’s experience and her penetration of 


40 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

the deep things of God. For what had 
He been preparing her? 

On Thursday, two young ladies from 
the city drove out to call. On the door- 
step they stood with door-bell in hand, 
but they did not ring, simply listened to 
the sweet song from within, every word 
so full of feeling and so clearly enun- 
ciated: 

“What God decrees, child of his love, 

Take patiently, though it may prove 
The storm that wrecks thy treasure here. 
Be comforted ! Thou need’st not fear, — 
What pleases God. 

’“The wisest will is God’s own will; 

Rest on this anchor and he still. 

For peace around thy path shall flow 
When only wishing here below, 

What pleases God.” 

A sweet peace shone upon her face, as 
she checked her overwhelming grief at 
the loss of her father, and the intense 
desire of her heart to see again Duane 
Leeland. 

The bell rang, and she gently ushered 
in her friends. After a few moments 
they said they had been appointed to in- 
vite her to speak at their missionary 


THE WHITE STONE. 


41 


meeting upon her work in the south, 
especially among the Freedmen. They 
could 1 not let her rest for they did so 
want to hear directly from this field. 
Would she please to favor them? 

“Certainly,” said Aida, “it is no inter- 
ference, only a comfort. Our time is 
God’s gift. He expects us to use it all 
in some way for Him. Regret follows lost 
opportunities.” 

An evening was appointed early the 
following week, for Aida was to return 
south on Wednesday. 

When Mrs. Foster heard the plan she 
exclaimed, “Capital ! we shall hear your 
lecture, too. I have refrained from ask- 
ing very much about it, because I wished 
you to have a perfect change of thought 
and scene.” 

“How lovely for you, Aunjty, and I do 
seem another person, but I have won- 
dered at your seeming disregard of that 
work.” 

Long before the hour, every seat in the 
lecture-room was filled, for all wished 
to hear the sweet singer tell her experi- 


42 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


ences. She began with the old planta- 
tion melodies, “O, John, Preachin’ in de 
Wilderness,” and “Noah Built de Ark,” 
then told of Ithe real situation of the 
Negroes, their deep poverty and intense 
desire fior knowledge, their wondeTful 
memories, and their close observation 
of everything about their teachers, till 
they are veritable “epistles known and 
read.” Indeed she had seen and felt so 
much, that her heart spoke through her 
eyes' and face, ere her lips uttered a word. 
She emphasized the utter neglect of their 
consciences during all these centuries — 
that honesty and truthfulness could 
never be a natural fruitage from a system 
of enf orced service, and yet, that by earn- 
est, plain, Christian training they did 1 be- 
come as trusty and consistent Christians 
as any of us. Indeed, she pleiad earn- 
estly the cause of the “colored brother,” 
then asked the personal question, “What 
will you do sister? you,, brother, for 
these needy ones?” 

As the plate passed, a liberal offering 
of $75, showed how some poor students 


THE WHITE STONE. 


43 


could now enjoy a Christian education. 

The following day was a busy one for 
Afda, as she was to turn homeward. The 
good-byes were nearly all said when a 
neighbor brought a letter from the office. 
She grasped it, flushed and blanched, 
but quietly slipped if in her pocket. Re- 
tiring to her room she scarcely diareu lu 
break the -seal, but finally did so and 
read: 

Dawson City Alaska, Sept. 15, 189 — . 

My Dear Miss Aida: 

With a mad endeavor to do more for 
the cause of missions than she who had 
forced me into the work, I rushed off to 
the region of yellow dust, determined to 
accumulate gold enough to build a col- 
lege for colored people in every state in 
the south. Before I had been in the 
Klondike digging's a month, my heart 
was so stung by the sight of miserable, 
starving, wretched seekers after filthy 
lucre, that I wondered how God could 
bless one people with the same material 
which cursed another. ’Tis no more 
strange than that “out of the same 


44 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

mouth proceed blessing and cursing.” 
Tired and lonely, I wandered away to 
the shores of the Yukon, tawd while I was 
contemplating the value of the bags of 
nuiggets that I had accumulated, there 
came into my soul a new, strange feel- 
ing. An indescribable impression sank 
into my heart. After a time I was able 
to clothe this sentiment in words: “Miss 
Aida’s influence is worth more to the col- 
ored people than countless numbers of 
pillars of gold.” Then I prayed to God 
to take me, not only my gold;, but me, and 
use me to advance his cause and, glorify 
His name. Now, night after night, I am 
sent for to pray with the dying, to plead 
with starving souls. Many, many, as 
they toss on their beds with fever, or 
shiver from cold and! hunger, realize that 
though this world were all a Klondike 
region,, “one moment of heaven is worth 
it all.” Tell our Presbytery to send 

more missionaries to Alaska 

My dear Miss Aida, since writing the 
above the “Cleveland” brought papers, 
from which I have learned of the death 


THE WHITE STONE. 


45 


of your noble father. The end was sad, 
but to be in heaven is glorious. I would 
come to you at once, but that I know 
you appreciate the sympathy expressed 
in the continuation of Christ’s work, 
more than a few tame words spoken at 
your side. Now I know what love is. 
In loving Christ, my love for you grows 
more pure, more bright, more intense 
every day. May his Holy Spirit speed 
our work and hasten the day that unites 
us in heaven. Affectionately, 

DUANE LEELAND. 

An unusual radiance, a beautiful calm 
rested on the face of the lovely maiden 
as she bade good-bye to her uncle and 
aunt. Phil declared : “I’ll just die with- 
out Aida. If Bob could run the farm, 
I’d go south with her. I tell you I would, 
for sure, and no joking.” 


46 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE CHANGED HEART. 

As Aida seated herself in the train 
which would quickly bear (her toward the 
home of her mother, an intense sense 
of homelessness and loneliness swept 
over her. Ini genial company, dur- 
ing the last few weeks, she had partially 
recovered the shock from her father’s 
loss. It is when we s,tand alone, face to 
face with the work of the death angel, we 
feel most keenly our losses. 

With her heart bleeding in secret, Aida 
took from, her bosom the cherished let- 
ter from Duane Leeland. She read and 
reread it, — the true breath of tender love 
was there, and her thoughts reverted to 
their first meeting in the sunny south, to 
the spark there kindled, which had grown 
to such a consuming flame. 

To change the curent of her thought, 
she picked up a daily paper some paseem- 


THE WHITE STONE. 


47 


ger had left, and began to read at random. 
Her eye, fell upon Chataubriand’s won- 
derful description of the two soldiers, 
who were so bound by the links of true 
friendship, that they hound themselves 
together by a chain on, entering the field 
of battle, determined to share a similar 
fate. One fell dead under the arrow of a 
Cretan; the other, struck with a mortal 
wound, reclined upon his brother, and in 
a faint, expiring whisper, cried, “Oh, War- 
rior, thou hast fallen on sleep ’neath the 
fatigues of battle. Thine eyes shall no 
more open at my call, but the chain of 
friendship is unbroken, — it still links me 
firmly to thy side.” With these words 
he fell exhausted on the bosom of his 
friend and died. 

With a suppresised sigh, she threw the 
paper upon the seat, while her melting 
eyes proved plainly how she realized her 
heart was bound to Duane. 

Aida’s will was strong, and thoughts 
of love and marriage were not contem- 
plated in the vein of ordinary young 
women. Proverbially w r eak in affairs of 


48 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


the heart, they immediately ask them- 
selves the question, “Why must I sacri- 
fice myself ?” Love is a natural impulse. 
Milton counts it a virtue, and marriage 
is a divine ordinance. Must aff ection he 
treated as an illusion, an impulse merely? 
Must one consider it with fear, as a dis- 
ease, — with, shame, as a weakness, or 
even with levity, as: a metre accident? 
Why should love be treated less seriously 
than death? Yet it is often* held aloft 
as a thing to be played with in tragedy, 
sung in songs, and written in poems or 
wi cked novels. Death must come to all, 
and Love must come to all, but the state 
in which each find© us depends upon our- 
selves.” Love had come to Aida, but it 
was an experience of the sioul that could 
not be clothed in word© of form, or theme, 
or soliloquy. An indescribable blending 
of one individuality with another, 
strange and incomprehensible as the in- 
dwelling of the Spirit of Christ in the 
converted^ soul. 

The day had passed, and the great 
city being reached where all must trams- 


THE WHITE STONE. & 

fer, Aida roused from her reverie 
only to Lapse again into it as she sped di- 
rectly for her home. The journey was 
not a plesant one. Every nook and farm- 
house seemed to whisper that her father’s 
arms would not be there to clasp her in a 
loving embrace. Memories of his kind- 
nesses, like a perpetual fountain,, flooded 
her spul, and increased her loneliness. 
At length the hour came when she caught 
sight of the dear little brother waiting 
for her. The greeting was tender and 
true, for these two loved each other de- 
votedly. Toward, her mother the same 
coolness stod as a Chinese walll, between 
them,, yet Mrs. Rocksbege, in the pure, 
gentle, Christ-like hlabits of her life, 
spared no pains in providing for the com- 
fort anid happiness of her latei husband’s 
daughter. Her wardrobe was replen- 
ished,, her books renewed, and many little 
articles of taste and convenience were 
packed in her trunks, to be a pleasure to 
her when she resumed her work in the 
colored, school at N , Miss. 

An unexpected invitation to deliver an 


5C AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

address before their missionary society 
came one day from the Scotch church in 
the little village of Argyle. She gladly 
accepted, taking as her theme, “Thei Ne- 
gro Woman.” This town of Ar- 
gyle is known far and near 
for its sturdy, God-fearing peo- 
ple, as well as for its linely cultivated 
farms. It is their boast that not for fifty 
years has a Scotchman among them been 
accused of fraud or crime. So closely do 
they still adhere to the customs of the 
Fatherland., that it is quite unnecessary 
to tread the heather of their native soil 
to catch the full dialect and test the char- 
acter of the thrifty Scot, as both can be 
well and freely studied in this lesser Scot- 
land at Argyle. 

As well paint a cherry tree in May with- 
out bloom, as a Scottish character without 
religion. In this country town it consti- 
tutes no small part of their very life. 
Their interest in a sermon is as keen, and 
their ability to discuss it as strong as was 
that of their f athers, in, the day of Knox 
and Guthrie. 


THE WHITE STONE. 


51 


During Aida’s trip to Argyle a fearful 
storm gathered,, and as the train, stopped., 
it burst in, all its fury upon the town; a 
darkness that could, be felt settled down 
over the landscape. As she stood upon 
the platform, her thought was, “No one 
can venture to meet me.” But no, an aged 
farmer, an elder and one of earth’s proud 
noblemen, fearing none but God, and 
hoping only for His, favor, cried out 
abruptly: 

“Be yoos Miss Rocksbege, and are ye 
frae hame ?” 

“Yes,” saild Aida; “I came, invited by 
your missionary society, and am so 
thankful to you for meeting me. I fear 
the storm will make you ill. Of course 
there can, be no meeting.” 

“Nay, nay,” said the old man; “it’s a 
coarse nicht, and heavy travelin’. Can 
ye see afore ye, lassie? for I’m clean con- 
fused wi’ the Wind and rain. Bide, a wee 
til I find the diveesdon o’ the roads here, 
it’s aboot here, back or forrit. This is 
it. We’ll ha’e no trouble noo for the 
railroad and the bridge is passed.” 


52 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

A flash of lightning just then ran along 
the .wire fence near by, and the entire 
artillery of ’heaven/ seemed on review. 

“Can’t I hold this umbrella before 
you?” said Aida. “The rain, drives right 
in your face.” 

“It’s deep the nicht, and hard on us 
baith, but it’s a brave womman to vem- 
tu re ’oot. Ye did richt to come, and I 
hope to hear that yoois equally perse- 
vering in the mission field where Mrs. 
Greenlee says yoos going.” 

“Enthusiasm is the child of love,’ said 
Aida, “and I am enthusiastic over mis- 
sions because I love Him so much who 
first loved me,, and permits' me to share 
in His service.” 

“We’ll sane be hiame m>o — this is 1 Ral- 
ston’s woods, and it’s na’ lang after that. 
Ytoms the licht in the kitchen window. It’s 
a gude wark ye’s in, and my only regret 
is that I’ve na been more faithful in doin’ 
my part o’ it. I canha do much, for the 
gode Dord now, for we’re getting auld, — 
money a mile we ha’ gaid together, but 
the Almighty kens it all. This is the 


THE WHITE STONE. 


53 


boose, and this is my womman; just go 
in and; make yours el’ to hame.” 

The storm was breaking, and though 
it was late for service, and Aida hadi con- 
cluded there would be none, Misis Agnes 
McMichael, president of the society, 
drove up and hastily said: “Our meeting 
will be small, but there are a good many, 
there now. Will you come with me?” 

Aida quickly responded, and was soon 
ushered into a gathering of nearly 500 in- 
telligent young people, who, true to their 
Scottish home, gave strictest attention. 
By the eloquence of her consuming earn** 
■estneiss and deep, personal spirituality,, 
she alternately moved the audience to 
smiles and to tears, while her delinea- 
tion of the “Negro Woman's Life and 
Character"’ were worthy of the woman 
who offered it. Aida received many in- 
vitations to “visit” while at the “settle- 
ment,” but desirous of spending the last 
week in the north with her brother Ira, 
she hastened home. 

Ira and his beautiful playmate, Grace 
Harvey, were constantly with her, — en- 


54 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


thusiastic oyer the work of their especial 
mi&sioii bands, and often contending in 
childish glee as to the importance of the 
“cause” they espoused. During the year, 
Grace’s band had furnished a bed in the 
Mary Holmes Seminary, and correspond- 
ed with two of the pupils, and proud they 
'were of their letters. Ira’s band of boys 
had' supported! a teacher in the school in 
Eerhon Ridge for the mountain whites. 

As Ira grew, he reminded Aida more 
and more of her father, andi often as she 
sat with him: in the hammock, she 
would draw his head down upon her 
shoulder and press a kiss upon 1 his brow. 
One evening she said : “When I am gone,, 
you and Grace must love each other and 
try and work together.” 

“No, sir,” saidi Ira, “I will never love 
any girl that works for the niggers but 
you, and I wish you would stay with us.” 

“But if I am happier there, wouldn’t 
you have me go, Ira?” asked his sister. 

“Y as,” he replied demurely. 

“I’m going there and help her some 
day,” said Grace. 


THE WHITE STONE. 


55 


‘No, you shan't,” said Ira positively; 
“who would I have to play with, or help 
me in my arithmetic with you gone?” 

Aida suppressed a smile. He would 
not love Grace, but he could not get along 
without her. 


56 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER V. 

“BETWEEN GOD AND OURSELF.” 

For a few days Aida wandered aimless- 
ly, enjoying her last days at homie. The 
children} were an especial (Delight, yet 
the more kind and considerate the moth- 
er was, the more Aida shrank from con- 
tact with her. Mrs. Rocks'bege’s every 
advance toward affectionate cordiality 
was met with a respectful reserve. Still 
Aida loved her father’s wife, lovedi her 
for her gentle Christian, graces, admired 
her for her intellectual accomplishments, 
and shrank from the cold northern blue 
blood that coursed through her aristo- 
cratic veins. She longed to hasten her 
departure, though sihe hoped! not to begin 
work until the weather was cooler, espec- 
ially as there was fear of yellow fever. 

“God moves in a mysterious way.” 
When she prayjed: “Thine, O Lord, all is 
thine, lead me to do thy will,” the answer 


THE WHITE STONE. 


57 


came: “He is faithful who has promised.” 
A few days, later, Ira came in from the 
postoffice. Handing a letter to Aida, she 
exclaimed : “0, a letter from Aunt Vin- 
cent! — andi what a surprise, — she writes 
to me!” 

Hastily breaking the seal, she read: 

Melrose, Mass.., Nov. . 

My Dear Niece: The news of your 
dear father’s dleath reached me 1 only last 
week, through a friend whose husband 
is a minister in 1 the Cumberland, district. 

Mr. Adrian met you at N and, knew 

your father. I am sorry you did not noti- 
fy me quickly of Richard’s death, but 
I want you to come- and spend, a 
couple of months with me on my southern 
plantation. I am just returning to it 
now, and shall expect you soon after the 
18th. Your affectionate aunt, 

M. L. VINCENT. 

After reading the motet, Aidia left the 
room without saying a word. She knew 
Mrs. Vincent’s name was never men- 
tioned by her father in the presence of 
her stepmother. And when 1 they two 


58 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


spoke of, heir, lie always assumed such a 
far-away, wistful look. He had toild her 
once that if she ever needed advice she 
should go to this sister, adding, “She 
was my advisor for years, and if I had 
only followed her counsels, I should have 
been spared many reckless years.” 

By some mistake the letter had been 
delayed so that it was already the: 20th. 
Aida decided to telegraph, her aunt of 
her favorable decision, and in two days 
she was on. her way to Buena plantation, 
Arkansas. 

Were you ever on a plantation in those 
“bottoms?” — the broad, level acres cov- 
ered, with white down ready for the bas- 
ket of the picker — its purity broken here 
and there by a stretch of green: grove, — 
possibly a bit of tobacco or some corn 
stretches, — and the came brake near the 
streams:, — canes and willows vieing with 
each other in casting clear shadows on 
the smooth waters. Here Aida could en- 
joy real rest, and genuine southern life 
with her aunt. 

“Aida,” said her aunt one forenoon, “do 


THE WHITE STONE. 


59 


you know your father wrote me asking 
if it was his duty to permit you to teach i'n 

a colored school at N ? I answered 

that if the Lord had opened your eyes to 
the spiritual needs of those dark minds, 
and you had consecrated/ yourself to his 
service,, I thought he should lay no ob- 
stacle in your way. He never wrote me 
again. I heard of your zeal and earnest- 
ness, and I knew the Heavenly Father 
was helping you.” 

While Mrs. Vincent was speaking, 
Pompey entered with a note. She looked 
pleased as she read, and remarked: ‘“Mr. 
Kenwood will be here f or sabbath, and 
will conduct a praise meeting. ‘I want 
all the help we can- get,’ he says, ‘as I 
must leave early Monday, and want to do 
all I can.’ ” 

“Now, Aida, you can come forward, and 
help with your voice in the singing. Your 
father often' spoke of your voice in his 
letters, as being the only thing that could 
give him comfort.” 

On the east side of the stream that bor- 
dered “Buena,” and hidden among the 


60 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


graceful willows, stood the little chapel 
for the Negroes, sioma two hundred being 
employed about thle plantation. Here, 
during certain months of the year, a pri- 
vate teacher was employed to conduct a 
school for the children, — usually a stud- 
ent from some college, wishing to help 
himself along financially and to teach the 
children to sing, and, also instruct them 
in the principles of true citizenship. 
Among these students had been the 
young, man Kenwood. 

‘'Oh, we loves Massa Kenwood. No- 
body can sing as he do,” was often heard 
ini the twilight about the cabins. 

Aida loved to hear the mellow voices 
from these cabins, as at evening they 
sang their favorite refrain: 

“Hark! 'tis the shepherd’s voice I hear 

Out in the desert dark and drear.” 

She was really enjoying .southern 1 life as 
never before, for she was care-free and 
knew herself more than welcome at her 
dear aunt’s. 

Sabbath foundi the chapel filled long be- 
fore the hour with an xious listeners. Mrs. 


THE WHITE STONE. 


61 


Vincent had always insisted on prompt- 
ness by her help, arnd as many had always 
lived* with, her, they showed their djaily 
habits in their sabbath promptness. 
Reaching, the open door, Mrs. Vincent im- 
trodueedi Aida to a tall, dark complex- 
lone d young man whose very soul was 
portrayed: by the calm, holy earnestness 
of his face. 

“Miss Rooksbege, I ami very glad, to 
meet you here. I have often heard of 

your success i'n the school at N ,” said 

Mr. Kenwood. 

“Yes,” replied Aida, “I remember well 
the first sabbath you preached there. You 
called, it your ‘sabbath of blessing.’ ” 

“Oh, yes, I received my first lesion in 
the study of those dark faces, as they 
looked up at me that day. I read, unmis- 
takably in those upturned faces an 1 in- 
tense longing for the Invisible, the Eter- 
nal. But, it is time to open here.” 

Aidia experienced anew the meaning of 
the Great Commission, and her joy in 
bringing the “Old, old story,” but ever 
new, to these people was only equalled 


62 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

by their joy in receiving the proffered sal- 
vation. His blood was shed for them, 
for all mankind — the price was paid. 

“Whiter than snow, 

Wash me in the blood of the Lamb 

And I shall be whiter than snow,” 

never sounded sweeter than from this 
little chapel on Buena plantation. 

Lunch was served as usual on the grass 
outside, and Mr. Kenwood remained. 

“I am sorry thi3 is to be my last sab- 
bath here for so long,” said he to Aida. 

‘‘Why so,” asked Aida. 

“I start for Hot Springs tomorrow 
morning to meet a dear friend of my 
brother’s, a gentleman 1 about to go to the 
Holy Land. He was taken ill while work- 
ing for the Master in Alaska, and his 
physician has positively ordered, an ex- 
tended ocean trip, but insists on his hav- 
ing a friend accompany him besides his 
faithful Sycho. My brother recom- 
mended me as he knew it would be a fine 
chance for us both. 

“How fortunate, ,” said Mrs. Vincent. 

‘‘Yes, indeed, and brother also says that 


THE WHITE STONE. 


63 


his friend intends becoming a missionary 
in Japan, since Ms health will not permit 
him to return to Alaska. He has de- 
posited an immense amount of gold, to be 
used in building colleges and seminaries 
in the south.” 

Happy for Aidia that 

“Night had drawn her sable curtain down 
And pinned it with a star." 


64 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER VI. 

Not my will, but thime, O, God! 

Aida’s h'eiart gave a great throb anid 
fluttered wildly, for she knew the friend 
frotm Alaska could be no other than 
Duane Leieland. 

Soon the hot blushes suffused, her 
cheek and ishe trembled, but evening had 
wrapped its cloak of shadow about her, 
and no one knew of her emotion. Ex- 
cusing herself she went directly to her 
loom, thinking of the apparent present, 
and prospective future. All her thoughts 
were of Duane. He was to cross the 
ocean. Should she never see him) again ? 
Her deep womanly sympathy went out 
to him in his battle with disease, anid 
her impulse was to hasten to him and 
minister to his needs. But she was con- 
vinced that God wantedi her to work in 
the southland. Falling on her knees, in 
silent prayer, with heir head resting on 


THE WHITE STONE. 


65 


the pure,, white coverlet, the clock om the 
mantel ticked off several hours ere she 
could arise, , strong in the strength of the 
Master. 

For several weeks Aida enjoyed her 
visit at Buena, and then she began to 
feel impelled “to be about her Father’s 
business” once more. She had recently 
heard from her friend, Alice Williams, 
and her plans of foreign work, and this 
proved an added incentive to Aida for 
renewed activity. 

One afternoon, while seated on the 
verandah absorbed in thoughts of the 
past, she determined she would return to 
N — at once, and resume' heir work so well 
begun, and perfect it as fully as possible* 
She longed to be at work in the land 
where she had met and loved Duane Dee- 
land. 

His handsome face and well-known 
form she would miss, oh ! so much. But 
now, people, (especially the Leelands) 
might cease their scornful comments up- 
on his attentions to the “nigger teacher.” 

Just then Mrs. Vincent appeared at the 


66 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


north end of the verandah, and catching 
sight of Aida, exclaimed: 

“I was just looking for you. Come 
with me to one of the cabinis and see a 
little pickaninie that has met with an 
■accident” 

“Certainly, I’ll be glad to go,” said 
Aida. 

Mrs. Vincent disappeared in the kitch- 
en, but soon returned with an armful of 
small packages and a bottle of liniment. 
Aida caught her hat, and together they 
passed through the spacious grounds to 
the “quarters” near Buena chapel. There 
they entered a small cabin scrupulously 
neat. Mammie Dixon met them, say- 
ing: “Law! Missis Vincent, hab you dun 
gone and, brought dat angel singer to 
see Nimbus ? He’ll be pow’ful glad, Nim- 
bus will.” 

As Aida glanced about the room, her 
eye fell on a little piece of humanity 
about 10 years of age, all eyes, gazing in- 
tently at her, but as their glances met, 
his head disappeared beneath the quilts. 
Reproving Nimbus for his ill-manners, 


THE WHITE STONE. 


67 


Mrs. Dixon drew away the covers and 
showed the friends his bruised and; 
sprained ankle. The liniment was an 
ever ready help, and Mrs. Vincent began 
rubbing the little spindling leg, now 
f welled and painful. 

At her first touch. Nimbus instantly 
threw off his coverlets, screaming, “Lor! 
Missie Vincent, Lor! You’ll kill dis nig- 
ger, sure!” 

“Hush up dis minute, Nimbus Dick- 
son,” commanded his mother. “Missie 
Vincent will make you well.” 

After many grimaces and much twist- 
ing of his well foot, Nimbus settled down 
to the inevitable. His bright eyes were 
fixed on Aida’s sweet face, and when the 
“company” was about to leave, Nimbus 
ventured to whisjper, “I do love singin’, X 
does, specially chuirch singing like the 
chapel, last Sunday evening.” 

Aida could not refuse this unique re- 
quest, and dropping carefully on the 
foot of his cot, she sang sweetly, “Jesus 
Loves Me,” and “Rock of Ages,” While 
litle black heads quickly filled the win- 


68 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


dows and bright eyes peered in at the 
door. The sun was sinking low behind 
the f orest trees as they left the cabin, the 
birds sweetly sang their evening fare- 
wells, and from the distance came the 
subdued voices of the darkies returning 
from! the fields. 

In the old. home, the fatherless Ira and 
the heart-broken mother were passing 
the days of their poignant grief. To Ira, 
his former pleasures were nothing with- 
out the companionship of. his dear father. 
Even the graceful horses shared his sor- 
row, and softly whinnied for their absent 
master, when Ira appeared. One day 
Bay Befctie, his father’s favorite driving 
horse, raised her intelligent eyes to his, 
then looking up and down) the avenue 
with a questioning gaze, asked as best 
she could for her old master, till the boy 
threw his arms around her neck and 
bursting iuto tears, exclaimed, “No, Bet- 
ty, dear, will never see him again I” 

Mrs. Rocksbege was, meanwhile, in 
the library near the “vacant chair.” 
The retired life of their house had 


THE WHITE STONE. 


69 


brought the inmates very near together, 
anid love was deep and strong, their 
tastes were similar, andi Mrs. Roegs beige 
had never fully understood her husband. 
He had always been so kind and so good, 
yet, at times he lived in a regretful past, 
and his face would be very sad, 

“Into the valley’s lap 
The dewy morning throws 
A thousand pearly drops 
To make a single rose. 

Thus often in the course 
Of life’s few fleeting years 
A single error costs the soul 
A thousand tears.” 

She ventured to question, him regard- 
ing his sadness, but 'he hastily replied, 
“Nothing, Mary, dear, that I can tell you 
will make you better or happier, so do not 
ask me, please.” 

When the news came of his death, 
after the first great outbreak of grief, as 
she knelt by his casket, she finally could 
pray, “Not my will, but thine, O, Lord,” 

She would gladly have taken Aida to 
her heart at this time of their mutual 
sorrow, but a mysterious entity held her 
aloof. 


70 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


To Aida, Ira’s letters bad always been 
a delight, but since visiting her aunt, 
none had come. Once he had tried to 
write, but getting as far as “we are all 
well,” he paused. “How can' I write thajt 
when my papa is gone,” and he left the 
letter unfinished. His first great trial 
was revealing to him more and more tlhie 
need' of his Heavenly Father. The 
many texts, learnedi at home and in the 
Boys’ band all came to him, and seemed 
to point him surely to the One who doeth 
all things well. 

Grace Harvey was a little missionary 
angel to Ira, aiding him in many ways 
during these trying times. 

One morning a thick, heavy letter 
came from Salt Lake City. Mrs. Rocks- 
bege brightened as her eager fingers 
burst its seal, for it was from hi er loved 
brother, Rev. G. P. Norton, who was 
in charge of a chapel near that city, and 
contained a most urgent invitation to 
his sister and her son to visit them in 
their western home. Could she arrange 
to leave. Ira was delighted at the 


THE WHITE STONE. 


71 


thought and begged hard for a favorable 
decision. After a few days of considera- 
tion a 'heiarty letter of acceptance was 
forwarded. 


72 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER VII. 

“Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” 

Finally, all needful arrangements were 
complete for tiie long journey. The boy 
Ira had gone to see Miss Grace, who was 
just recovering from scarlet fever, but 
could now be seen. Mrs. Rocksbegehad 
found a trusty m)a,n with whom to leave 
the dairy farm, and by the aid of a legal 
advisor of her husband, all business mat- 
ters were well adjusted. They were to 
start the following Tuesday. Sabbath 
morning, Ira complained of. headache and 
sore throat; his mother gave him some 
simple remedies, but he evidently grew 
worse, and by evening the family physi- 
cian, Dr. Lyman, was called. All night 
the ilittle boy tossed and moaned, but be- 
fore morning his mother detected) a rash 
about his neck and chesit. It was scarlet 
fever, but apparently not a severe case, 
since the rash wias so free. 


THE WHITE STONE. 73 

Now the days dragged slowly, each 
one sapping more and more Ira’s 
strength as the fever raged. 

“What do you think, Doctor? Do tell 
me!” said Mrs. Rocksbege. 

“Shall I?” said he, looking, sorrow- 
fully at her heart-broken face. “His 
temperature is very much against him, 
the crisis is near and I do< fear for the 
results. He is so weak, I fear he will 
not resist; still there is hope, for his 
natural constitution is good.” 

The mother returned to the bedside, 
but her heart was too full foT control. 
How could she see her only child fade 
away. She passed to her own room, and 
casting herself upon her bed, burst into 
a flood of tears, then begged her Heav- 
enly Father that this cup might pass 
from her, ibut if not — that she might 
truly say, “Thy will be done.” After a 
few moments she returned to the bed- 
side feeling much calmer. A telegram 
was sent Aidh, and ere long the reply 
came that she would be there by first 
train. It was a perfect spring morning 


74 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


in the south, when Aida started for her 
once happy home. She had now no eye 
for the beauty of hill and valley. She 
thought only of the changes in her life 
since she rode upon that same route sev- 
eral years before, and of her precious 
little brother. She was then a school 
girl, careless and happy, life all rosy, 
and heir plans for usefulness seemed sp 
easy to execute in the future ; but alas I 
scarcely one had been fully realized. 
Tire darling brother over whose birth at 
first she was very jealous, since she alone 
had held her father’s love, now occupied 
a large place in her affections. 

Home was reached at last, but no one 
was at the stile. An old servant at the 
door met her with sad eyes, saying, “Oh, 
Miss Aida, you’re too late.” She did not 
wait for more, but rushing up stairs 
found Mrs. Rocks bege waiting for her. 

“Dear Aida,” said Mrs. Rocksbege, 
“my boy is dying.” 

“No, no,” replied Aida, “God answers 
prayers.” 

“Yes, dear, when we are worthy.” 


THE WHITE STONE. 


75 


“His blood can make the vilest worthy, 
and one so pure, so true, as you need not 
fear. You’ll hear ‘his loving: kindness 
in the morning.’ ” Turning to the doc- 
tor who entered the room, she asked,. 
“Will Ira get well?” 

“I fear not, Miss,” he replied. 

Her great dark eyes looked into his, as 
she continued: 

“ ‘Perfect love casteth out fear.’ If 
God guides you in your ministrations, 
Ira must get well.” 

The doctor shuddered. Had he ever 
thought of the Creator in connection 
with his work? Of the Omnipresent, 
Omniscient Being who could influence 
his thought, and control the effect of his 
medicine? He had hesitated over the 
last compound. Would he have given a 
diff erent portion if he had turned to God 
for direction? Aida Rocks;bege con- 
trolled him by a strange magnetism. He 
returned to the room of the invalid, 
bowed his head on his hands and two 
great pearly drops rolled through hiis 
fingers. A vast hush enveloped the 


76 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


'house, like a great calm after the depart- 
ure of a girfeiat group of disappointed 
angels. The doctor was praying. 

The night was gome, and the glad sun 
poured through the heavy curtains at the 
windows, when Ira opened his eyes and 
smiled upon his mother and sister. 

Weeks of convalescence and days of 
necessary disinfecting, and preparations 
were under headway for another separ- 
tion, Mrs. Rocksbege and Ira to spend 
the winter With Rev. G. P. Norton near 
Salt Lake City and Aida to' go to. N — , Milas 
Notwithstanding the love and respect 
which grew and deepened in the hearts 
of these three for each other, there still 
remained an intangible Rubicon, that 
could not be passed over. 

The parting between Grace and Ira 
was rather amusing. In their efforts to 
not appear to care for the separation, 
they acted offish and ugly toward, each 
other. Mrs. Rocksbege endeavored in 
vain to bring about a kindly exchange of 
letters. 

They had hardly been five minutes in 


THE WHITE STONE. 


77 


liis uncle's western home, when, Ira in- 
quired for pen and paper, and was so dis,- 
gusted with his mother’s suggestion that 
the first word of his letter must not be 
spelled with two e’s, that he sought a 
secluded spot, and spent hours 1 pouring 
forth an account of the journey, the 
landscape, scenery, and the gorgeous cit- 
ies, ending by saying, “I’d rather be at 
home with you, than with all the hills 
and mountains in the world. Your lov- 
ing playmate, Ira.” 

Weeks after, he wrote to Aida and his 
letter was characteristic: 

Dear Aida: This is the horriblest 
place anybody ever lived in. Papa had. 
just you and me, and didn’t he love us 
though! My! a papa here has so 
many children he can’t count 
’em, and he don’t care if he 
can’t, and they would just as soon he 
would die as not. Mother’s been doing 
missionary work among the Mormons, 
and I heard her tell Uncle Philip that the 
lady she visited wanted to know if it was 
wrong to wish her husband! was dead. 


78 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


be is so mean to her. If I were tike Lord, 
I’d send a cyclone and clean all the men 
out of Utah, and set the women free. I 
toldi a little boy the other day that his 
father was gioiingi to another kind of lake 
and be said he didn’t care if he d id. I am 
glad you and Grace did. not come with 
lie. If they ever stole you I’d start ’em 
to burning before Satan got possession 
of them. Mother says we must stay 
here three years, and try to save lots of 
souls. I don’t want to save the men. 
Tell me if I must, Aida. Your affection- 
ate brother, IRA ROCKSBEGE. 

Aida was warmly welcomed by all her 
old friends at N — . When she met the 
Leelands, there was a cold, polite stare, 
<or the remark, as they passed, “That ir- 
repressible teacher of the sons of Ham!” 
or “The prima donna of the nigger 
school.” This cut Aida to the heart, 
yet she felt it was better far to be sinned 
against than to. sin. 

A month pasesd and Aida was fully 
settled in her work when' a dispatch ar- 
rived. 


THE WHITE STONE. 79 

“Aunt Vincent died at 3: 50 a. m. Heart 
disease. Funeral Monday, 2:30 p. m. 
J. A. Kenwiood.” 

Overwhelmed, yet rising, to the hour, 
she hastily threw a few things together 
and prepared for the first train to Buena 
plantation next morning. While the 
school building was near the river Aida 
boarded some blocks away, for was 
difficult to find a good white family who 
would take the “nigger teacher.” About 
one o’clock in the night a bright light 
awakened Aida. Springing from her 
bed, what was her horror to find appar- 
ently the whole 1 of that part of the town 
in flames. Hurrying on her clothing she 
hastened to the little school room, to 
find it only a blazing pile of ruins, while 
a dozen cabins near by were blazing 
furiously, amd the f ew firemen were look- 
ing about for water. Aida •was turning 
to leave the scene of brilliant horror, 
when she heard her own, name spoken 
in feeble accents. It came from an old, 
dilapidated cabin- enveloped in flames. 
Surely no one could be in there. She 


80 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


listened intently. Again eh© heard in 
feeble, stifling tones, “Oh, Miss Aida.” 
She rushed toi the> window and gazing in, 
beheld an old, decrepit invalid writhing 
in agony on a burning pallet. She rushed 
through the door, and with supernatural 
strength caught the old colored aunitie 
up in her arms, and carriedi heir through 
the flames to a place of saf ety. But with 
the tremendous exertion necessary to 
support the helples burden, the: beauti- 
ful girl breathed the flames, and ere long 
fell beneath a pecan tree, apparently 
dead. 

Can mortal man say that God is not 
in all His providences. Duane Leeland 
had visited his southern home to say 
good-bye to the inmates before he started 
on his ocean voyage. Notwithstanding 
his mother’s remonstrance he sought the 
burning district, and the angels guided 
his f ootsteps, until they were stayed by 
the beautiful, lifeless saint at his feet. 
Why did hie so calmly stoop and pillow 
the beloved head upon his bosom? Be- 
cause something told him they could 


THE WHITE STONE. 


81 


only be united in heaven. Death to 
ham was the gate to the City of, God. He 
felt (almost happy ias he precised the loved 
form to his heart. Removing the charred 
gown from her snowy neck he beheld a 
tiny gold chain. He, drew it forth, and 
the little case lay in hi® hand. “This is 
the hour,” he said to himself, “that she 
bade me press, the spring and read the 
secret that separated us on earth.” Bis 
hand trembled, his heart throbbed.. He 
pressed his thumb on the catch. It 
would not open. He must take his arm 
from around; her, that he might insert 
his finger nail in the crack. He laid his 
burden^ gently down. He pressed his 
lips on heir cold forehead. Be took the 
locket amid pressed the spiring; it opened 
but he did not see its content® for the 
bright eyes of Aida Rocksbege shone 
upon him questioning: “Have you seen?” 
and closing the case he said, “No.” She 
had not breathed: enough of the flame to 
injure her, but had fainted away in a 
death-iiike swoon. 

Together they worked for the desolate 


82 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

pare for the train that would carry her to 
observe the last sad rites of honor for 
Iter father’s beloved sister. 

Hastening on to Buena she arrived 
just in season for the funeral. Resting 
that evening, the following day Mr. 
Shirley, the village attorney, called to 
see Miss Rocksbege on business. 

“I presume,” he said, “you are not 
aware that your aunt has left her will 
mentioning you as her sole heir to this 
estate. I am named as executor, and 
have been her legal advisor for many 
years. I am at your service at any time, 
and I hope we will be as good friends as 
were your worthy aunt and myself. 
Good morning.” 


THE WHITE STONE. 


83 


CHAPTER VIII. 

“I will gluidle thee with mine eye.” 

When Aida returned) to N — she was in 
deep thought as to the property she had 
just inherited from Mrs. Vincent. She 
wanted to make the best possible use of 
it in blessing and benefiting the Freed- 
mien. With mingled feelings' of joy and 
sadness, she learned that Duane Leeland 
had left in trust with responsible trustees 
gold sufficient to rebuild the colored 
district, and to erect a large building for 
the education of the! aspiring race. The 
board of directors were to be guided in 
every respect by the wishes and sugges- 
tions of Miss Rocksbege. To this grand 
work she set about with the prayer ever 
in her heart: ‘‘Teach me thy way, O, 
Lord, and lead me in a plain path.” She 
daily realized the verification of the 
promise: “I will guide thee with mine 
eye,” and often she sang: 


84 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

“Thy calmness bends serene above 
My restlessness to still; 

Around me flows thy quickening life, 
Thy presence fills my solitude, 

Thy providence turns all to good." 

The enthusiasm of the children and 
their parent si knew no hound® when they 
saw the resurrection of their homes, and 
the building otf the beautiful institution). 
A gliadi praise service was held, and every- 
one brought as his or her offering what- 
ever he or ishe could,, whether money, 
eggs, greens, a chicken or what not, — all 
brought .something for the good of others. 

This new enterprise engrossedi all 
Aida’s time and thought. As the year 
advanced she realized) more and more 
the blessedness of doing good, and her 
life grew daily more bright, beautiful 
and happy. Just before the close of the 
school year, Aida received a very hearty 
letter from Mrs. Rockisbege, in the name 
of her brother, inviting her to spend a 
season with them in the mountain®. She 
was surprised and delighted,, and, quick- 
ly responded favorably, for she really 
needed just suclh an; entire change which 
such a trip would give. 


THE WHITE STONE. 85 

To her colored students Salt Lake City 
seemed the very verge of creation, and 
many were the tearful good-byeis ex- 
pressed, when, some weeksi later, she 
boarded the train for St. Louis, and 
thence on to the west. When nicely 
seated Aida looked about at her fellow- 
travelers. when her eye fell upon the 
familiar gaze of Claribel Leeland, who 
occupied a seat at her hear. Aiida greatly 
enjoyed the day, noting the change of 
scene from section to section, the va- 
rieties of faces, anid. the curious vehicles 
about the stations. The) old) time south- 
ern dray and mule was rapidly disappear- 
ing as she neared the metropolis of the 
southwest, and the great freight wagons, 
with ponderous horses were substituted. 
At 8 o’clock in the evening all must 
change at the Relay depot. Gathering 
ter few belongings, Aida moved out with 
the rest, perhaps a little more hurriedly 
since her time was so limited to catch the 
waiting train. Once she paused, think- 
ing she had dropped a coin, but missing 
nothing and seeing nothing, passed on 


86 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

with, the crowd. Once out, passengers 
separated in every direction, Miss Lee- 
land with the others. 

What was it Claribel felt beneath her 
foot? Stooping she picked up a beauti- 
fully wrought, small case, with a bit of 
slender chain attached. There was no 
time to seek t he owner, and she hastened 
on. 

Had Aida known the loss, of her heart’s 
treasure, and that it had fallen into Clari- 
bel Leeland’s hands, the remainder of her 
journey would have been less joyful and 
restful. Little events make up the true 
life of every human being. Even the 
breaking of a tiny chain and the loss of 
a dainty case reveal the character of the 
loser and the finder. 

Rapidly the broad prairies were passed, 
all gray with their dried grasses, or yel- 
low With the wild isunt-flowers!, till she 
caught the first glimpse of the Rockies. 
Gladly would she have delayed at Den- 
ver for “side trips’’ here and there, up 
the wonderful canyons, and over moun- 
tain tops,, but on her return, her mother 


THE WHITE STONE. 87 

might be with her, and, little Ira, — then 
together, they wio,uld enjoy the Garden of 
the Titan, 9. Through miles of snow- 
sheds, long tunnels and many wild 
gorges', the train flew till Aida’s desti- 
nation was reached. She beheld the 
wondrous dome of the Mormon temple, 
but was soon in the presence of her moth- 
er and! uncle. 


88 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE LOST TREASURE. 

The family of Mr. Norton consisted 
of himself and wife, a son 25 years of 
age — soon expected home from the east, 
and' Dedia, a siweet daughter of ten.. Their 
home, though modest, bore: unmistak- 
able signs of comfort, peace and! plenty, 
with an air of hearty welcome sure to 
make one feel at home. For a few days 
Aida gave herself uip to rest and quiet 
enjoyment, which, though she was un- 
aware of it, was greatly needed, after 
the long strain! consequent to the death 
of her father,, the rebuilding of the col- 
ored district, and the year of labor in get- 
ting the college fully organized. She 
also began to thoroughly enjoy the com- 
panionship of her stepmother. 

At tbef closej of the third day after her 
arrival in Salt Lake City Aida received 
a shoick which mightVhave destroyed her 


THE WHITE STONE. 89 

further enjoyment. On this day Mr. 
Norton brought home with Mm for tea 
a gentleman who hadi been traveling ex- 
tensively, a friend of his school days’, and 
a southerner. Upon being introduced to 
Mrs. Rocksbege and Aida, he gave the 
latter a searching, glance* repeating the 
name “Rocksbege,” meditatively, a© if 
trying to recall some former knowledge 
of the name. After tea Mrs. Rocksbege 
and' Mrs. Norton excused themselves to 
attend to some preparations for the 
Christmas festivities, and Aida was left 
alone with Mr. Norton and his friend, 
who still studied the; face of our heroine. 
Finally he said: ‘“Miss Rocksbege, I 
have been puzzled to know, since meet- 
ing you, where I before met one of your 
name. It hast just flashed across my 
mind that I once had dealings of rather 
a peculiar character with a worthy young 
man named Rocksbege in the south. Be- 
ing a justice of the peace in the town 
where he lived, I was called upon to mar- 
ry him to a bright young woman, who 
died within a year.” 


90 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

A deathly pallor spread over the face 
of the beautiful girl, her breath seemed 
to leave her entirely. She would have 
fallen from her couch had not the strangl- 
er kindly supported her, and looking into 
her eyes, read all he wished to know. He 
gently pressed, her hand, saying, “Fear 
nothing from me, my dear young lady, I 
was your father’s friend.” A little camp 
phor brought by her uncle revived her, 
so that the: color r eturned to her cheeks. 

She at once raised her hand to feel for 
the locket or case, she always wore about 
her neck. Great was her horror to dis>- 
cover it was gone. 

At first she thought she might have 
lost it in the house, and that her mother 
might find it; then she recalled stepping 
on a small object, and stopping an in- 
stant at the station at the Relay depot. 
She felt that it was there she had lost 
it. The loss was to her incomparable, 
but she consoled herself that whoever 
found it would never know the secret it 
contained to her. Soon she plead fa- 
tigue and retired to her room!, there to 


THE WHITE STONE. 91 

ponder upon her misfortune, and won- 
der if she would ever regain the treas- 
ure — the gift of her father — so valuable 
to her, aindi worthless to anyone else save 
Duane Leelandi, to whom she had prom- 
ised it should in time reveal he,r secret. 
Had she dreamed her treasure was in the 
hands of am enemy, she would scarcely 
have considered the matter so calmly. 

Carl Norton was to return the next 
evening, and) great was the rejoicing, 
for he was a great and general favorite. 
Bright, witty and talented, he was a son 
of whom to be proud, and, Aida found her- 
self with the rest anticipating his return. 

Having been well posted by the talk- 
ative little Deda as to her brother — that 
“he was not a minister, like Papa, but 
(in a whisper) she liked; him most as 
much,” — “lots of ladies like Carl,” “he’s 
engaged to onei, — that’s Maud’s sister,” 
(Maud being, her chum) and other like 
confidences, she felt that she almost 
knew him. 

The evening of ms return was very 
pleasantly spent, and had it not been for 


92 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

the constant thought of her lossi, Aida 

would have been quite happy. 

The next few days were busy ones 
for all the Norton household, for Mr. 
Norton, a generous, broad-minded man, 
believed in making Christmas truly 
‘"merry” for those to whom such joys are 
seldom known. Alda’s missionary spirit 
prompted her to many kind deeds and her 
willing hands were never idle; though 
her heart w r as often heavy; her thoughts 
flew constantly across the ocean to him 
whose very memory brought peace and 
gladness to her soul. 

Many friends of the Nortons had called 
upon Aida andi her mother, and for al- 
most the first time in her life, Aida felt 
how restful it was to be for a while free 
from care and in the society of cultured 
people; still she never ceased to pray for 
those for whom she worked, and to aid 
by her now abundant means. Among 
those whom 1 Aida had met was “Maud’s 
sister,” Mists Grace Clyde. They were 
drawn to each other at once in a sisterly 
way, sio that when Miss Clyde invited 


THE WHITE STONE. 93 

Aida to meet a friend from the south, 
Aida gladly accepted the invitation. 

Imagine, if you can, the consterna- 
tion upon both faces, as with all the 
warmth of her love for each, Miss Clyde 
presented to Mias Rooksbege Miss Clari- 
b el Leal and of N — , Miss. 

Aida was the first to recover her self- 
control, and politely, if coolly, bowed,; 
but Ciaribel Leeland was too surprised 
and chagrined that the “nigger teacher” 
should be placed upon a level with her- 
self to at once regain composure. When 
she found the despised “nigger teacher” 
was the guest of Mr. and, Mrs. Norton, 
for whom she had a wholesome respect, 
and later, when Carl Norton called for 
Aida, her astonishment knew no bounds. 
She determined, if possible, without los- 
ing her own footing with her friends, to 
quietly lower their estimation of Aida, 
so strong was her unreasonable dislike. 

She was destined to be unsuccessful 
in these unkind plans, for Aida was fast 
becoming a favorite in the Norton home, 
especially with Deda, while for Miss Lee- 


94 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

land, Deda at once conceived a dislike, 
pronouncing her “sit uok up,” and “not a 
bit Hike Aidia.” One day after a visit at 
Maud’s, she confided to Aida that “Miss 
Leeland was a very wicked sister, for 
she heard Carl ask how her brother was, 
and she told! him she was not her ‘broth- 
ers keeper,’ and didn’t know anything 
about him, ’cause he went away on a 
fool’s errand, and it was all owing to a 
poor ‘nigger teacher; ’ she hadn’t any use 
for ‘.nigger teachers.’ ” All of which, was 
very disheartening to Aida Soon there 
followed a bit of news so startling in its 
nature, that all other feeling® were lost 
in the one desire, — to regain possession 
of her lost treasure. 

Miss Leelandi, wishing to win little 
Deda, whom she knew was fond of Aida, 
one day amused the little girls by giv- 
ing an account of her trip from N — to 
Salt Lake City, and told them of finding 
4 the locket and bit of chain, — showing it 
to them, — but they were uinable to open 
it — a fact which so nettled Deda that she 
repeated the incident to Aida in disguo* 


THE WHITE STONE. 95 

little knowing) how important a fact she 
was disclosing. 

It was now Aida’s turn to receive a 
shock. To think that she should lose 
th at one article she most wished to keep 
— that it had been found by one whom 
she could least trust, and from whom she 
would be least likely to regain it, — that 
unless it was returned to her, her prom- 
ise to Duane Leeland must be broken! 
All this was a revelation for which she 
was not prepared. 

The time had. noiw come for her to re- 
turn to her duties in N — . She would 
return with new zeal and many new and 
helpful ideais from Mr. Norton, broader 
views and experiences, a happier rela- 
tionship with her stepmother, but — with- 
out her trasured locket; thei connecting 
link between her father and herself, un- 
less by some as yet unknown means, she 
should be able to secure possession of 
it. How was it to be accomplished ? 


96 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


V 

CHAPTER X. 

Whither, oh, Whither? 

The noble character of Mrs. Rocks- 
bege, founded upon faith in Cod, and 
nurtured by a life of lofty purpose and 
self-sacrifice for others, had sought for 
some definite object on which to ex- 
pend itself, and thiis year found its. grati- 
fication in Utah. 

The home missionaries of the far west 
are among the most devoted of God’s 
servants, whether regularly supported 
by some Board or working at their own 
charges. None are moire true to. God and 
country than those in Utah. 

Under the hand of man, with a climate 
unsurpassed, and possibilities limitless, 
no better place could have been found for 
the “imperium in, imperio,” which the 
Mormon hierarchy would so fully es- 
tablish. 

The married! life of Mrs. Rocksbege 


THE WHITE STONE. 97 

had had but one thing to mar it — the 
single secret in) her (husband’s heart that 
never could be revealed to her — and the 
condition of Moirmon women, in their 
degradation and servitude drew forth 
her keenest sympathies. Polygamy 
seemed so unspeakably degrading, fos- 
tering every unlovely trait in woman, 
and the most brutal and cowardly in 
man. Her mother-heart was drawn to 
some bright little children not far from 
her brother’s home; one bright fellow, 
Harry Silby, was just Ira’s age, and wias 
particularly responsive. Many times 
she took him. to walk or ride with her, he 
acting as her guide. She soon came to 
be so at one with the boy, she spoke 
freely to him of the Bible and of Jesus, 
the only Way,. His heart opened to the 
truth, and at the same time she gained a 
clearer insight than from any book, of 
how the Latter Day Saints instruct their 
children. 

After being at her brother’s four 
month’s, Mrs. Rjocksbege heard Mr. Nor- 
ton tell of a very promising country 


98 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

school, taught freely by am eastern girl 
who was there for her health. She had 
been successful/ and he had watched her 
carefully and hoped) muich from her ef- 
fort. But this teacher had been called 
home suddenly, and, the school was 
closed until someone else would volun- 
teer. 

“Oh, let me go George,” said Mm 
Rocksbege. “I earn teach; I love child- 
ren dearly, and, can win them, aujd 
through them the mothers. Do let me 
go. I’m just full df the ‘send- me- Lord’ 
spirit., ” 

Mr. Norton, looking at her face glow- 
ing with enthusiasm and. spiritual light, 
qaid: 

“Yes, sister Mary, you go. It will not 
be for long, and God bless you amid keep 
you. Yet we shall miss you awfully 
(here.” 

“I can help here some still, on Satur- 
days and SunJdays, and some of the time 
I can drive back and forth; it is not such 
a very long drive in gooid weather.” 

Mrs. Rocksbege found the school de- 


THE WHITE STONE 


liglhtful and easy to manage — indeed the 
attendance grew more regular and the 
children moire attentive, until the priests 
forbade their coming at all. 

The success and influence of the new 
teacher irritated these elders, for, where 
love reigns, children are drawn instinct- 
ively, and they would soon slip back to 
their school. Many annoying things 
were done by outsiders, still Mrs. Rockg- 
bege appeared to neither see nor hear 
them; her siweet face, for a time, over- 
awed the schemers, but they vowed that 
“something must be done!” 

Her welcome visits to the sick and 
sorrowing were introducing an element 
that they could not tolerate. She never 
lost any opportunity of teaching the true 
way of salvation, and whenever she pos- 
sibly could, offered to pray with the fam- 
ily, leading them to the true, Light, the 
only Way 'of salvation. This new teach- 
ing in these Mormon cabins revived the 
memories of many a childhood hour at 
a mother’s knee, before coming to this 
“garden of the west.” Realizing that 


100 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

the strength of the Mormon hierarchy 
lay in the docility of its women and child- 
ren), the elders determined to speedily 
end this Gentile woman’s influence. She 
had occasionally spent a night, by spec- 
ial invitation, in the families of her pupils 
— especially in the Feavy fahily, and had 
gained many whispered confidences till 
her conviction) had grown, stronger, that 
the apparent utter obedience and abject 
servility of these Mormon women under 
polygamy, were often merely appear- 
ances and because they could see “no way 
out,” they were “bound,, hand and foot,” 
“miust” was the only alternative — but 
for their children they longed for dif- 
ferent things. 

One Monday morning, after a delight- 
ful! Sabbath with her brother, Harry 
Silby was to drive her out toi her school 
bringing back the horse, for she had 
agreed to spend the entire week assist- 
ing in an entertainment to be given by 
her children’s Band*. 

Driving along the beautiful road, the 
distant mountains bathed in golden sun- 


THE WHITE STONE. 101 

light, the air inspiring, and everything 
breathing peace and plenty, she ex- 
claimed : 

‘Every prospect pleases, and/ only man 
is vile.’ What can be more glorious than 
nature in her simple beauty ?” 

Harry willingly joined in conversa- 
tion, saying he wasi now fully convinced 
that Christ was the true Savior. Brig- 
ham Yo-ung anidi Joseph Smith were no 
prophets — only deceiver©. He was go- 
ing to come out and declare himself on 
the side of Jesus. Greatly pleased and 
tenderly touched, Mrs. Rocksbege asked 
if he fully realized all that the step in- 
vovled — the loss of friends, and per- 
haps of business. It would certainly 
bring down on him the wrath of the eld- 
ers, 

“Yes,” sa;idi he, “I do, but ‘he that 
loseth his life for my sake shall find it/ 
•and I hope to receive the immortal 
crown/’ 

Much moved, Mrs, Rocksbege was 
about to congratulate him over his die- 
termination, when, at the edge of a little 


102 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

wood near a stream, they were accosted 
by amian in a buiggy, which he had driven 
nearly across the narrow way. He came 
from Mrs. Peavey’s. She was his sister; 
her little girl was very sick, and wanted 
to see her teacher, and the mother did 
too . He intended to have started earl ier, 
hut was detained ; would she get right in 
with him, and: her carriage could go 
back to town. She readily consented, 
for the three little Peavy children were 
among her brightest pupils. Mrs. Peavy 
was a poor, spiritless creature who had 
been betrayed to this far-away “land of 
perdition” instead of New Jerusalem. 
She could do> nothing, but she did hope 
in some way; to snatch her three children 
from the clutches of the elders. 

Bidding Harry good-bye', they separ- 
ated, hut whither? 

Saturday came amid Sunday, and, Mrs. 
Rocksbege did not appear at her 
brother’s. Harry them told of the 
stranger, “Mrs. Peavy’s brother,” taking 
her in the carriage, and leaving him to 
return earlier than otherwise. He had 


THE WHITE STONE. 103 

■suspected nothing, but Mr. Norton,, on 
bearing bis statement, blanched and 
flushed!, and sppke hurridly: 

“Harness up the horses, Harry. You 
-and I, and 1 if possible, Mr. Weller will 
drive out andl see what has. occurred.” 
Tlhey drove rapidly over the hills, and, 
reaching the little school-house;, saw 
that all was quiet. Inquiry showed that 
on Monday the children gathered as us- 
ual, and waited for their teacher till 
about 9 : 30 o’clock, when a boy came with 
a note that purported! to be from Mrsi. 
Rotcksbege, saying her brother’s wife 
was very ill, and there would be no 
school this week. 

A horrible premonition swept oyer the 
minds of Mr. Norton andi Mir. Weller, 
though neither intended to betray bis 
fears. Hastening on to the Peavy’s, 
they were assured that Mrs. Rocksbege 
had not been there at all, and the child- 
ren had not been ill. Mrs. Peavy’s only 
brother was- sitting by the door, and 
Harry said he certainly was the stranger 
whom he had met that morning, but 


104 AIDA RCOKSBEGE AND 

he denied knowing anything about the 
disappearance of the teacher. 

Frantic wdth fear and angry at heart,, 
Mr, Norton and his friend© hastened 
home and gave the alarm. He appealed 
to the civil authorities for add to discover 
his sister. They were so undier the dom- 
ination of the Mormon church, he feared, 
in his heart, he had not real support or 
aid there, consequently -he would leave 
nothing undone by himself. 

Every available means of investiga- 
tion was speedily and thoroughly tested, 
but Mrs. Rocksbege seemed to have dis- 
appeared as truly as if the earth (had en- 
gulfed her. This evinced the wouderiful 
organization and power of thei Mormon 
system. Cruel, cunning, unscrupulouis 
of method'., their plan©! were to be effec- 
tive at all hazards. To all inquiries only 
one reply wasi received: “Don’t know.” 
The seal of the church was upon tneir 
eyes, their ears, their lips, their mindei 
Colonies of these same people, with 
priests sworn to the same despotic sys- 
tem, had gone out ini all directions — to 


THE WHITE STONE. 


105 


Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, 
and Wyoming, and there -this same sys- 
tem was maintained. Where, in all this 
net-work of Mormon Gumming and de- 
ceit, was Mrs. Rocfesbege ! A week gone 
unconsciously to her friends. Where 
could she be! if indeed she was alive. 
Every fifth man among the Latter Day 
Saints is an official of some kind, and so 
perfect is the espionage and the report- 
ing; that, as by a living wire, dispatches 
reach the master minds. This was no 
sudden or me,w plan, but a well-concerted 
scheme to kill the influence of this Gen- 
tile woman. 

Prostrated with; grief, and overcome 
by weariness! amdtlabor, at an utter loss 
as to what method to try next, Mr. Nor- 
ton threw himself upon his knees, pray- 
ing as he had not, even in the darkest 
hours of his search, for relief from 
heaven. No Gentile arm could avail. God 
must raise up hits own executor. Aida 
had been alert for every intimation. 
Could even Harry Siilby, whom, they all 
tr usted so much, could he be in the plot? 


106 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

Aixiai prayed that deliverance might 
come, and her precious mother be spared, 
and restored. She knew she loved heir, 
but this trial had developed the depth of 
her devotion to a degree unrealized by 
herself. 

She and Ira worked: and talked and 
prayed together. There was something 
particularly strange in the boy. Nay, 
a boy no longer. On the first intimation 
of Ms mother’s disappearance, he threw 
aside the kite he w,as. making, and sprang 
to hiis feet. For a moment he looked 
like a stag at bay. Out of the boy seemed 
to tower a man. The deep, reverential, 
filial love: of his heart throbbed like a 
new impulse, andl from the look in his 
wide open eyes, Aida, read a determina- 
tioin that nothing could daunt till 
crowned with siuccessi He followed up 
every clew, gave advice to hie uncle, and 
oonslulted with their friend* Mr. Weller. 
But to Aida he always turned for com- 
fort, and sought her to pray with him 
when he desired hits strength renewed. 

“Aida,” said Ira, as they stood out on 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 107 

tiie lawni alone, watching the sunset be- 
hind the western) hills, “Aida,, something 
tells me that you can find my mother. 
In a dream last nliglbt, I saw a little girl 
who isi to guide y ou to my mother. It will 
cost you a great sacrifice, but you will 
find her. Will you 1 go?” 

Aid a answered : “Yes.” 


108 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER XI. 

THE RECOVERY. 

Imagine the surprise o,f Mrs. Rocks- 
bege as it dawned; upon her that she was 
a Mormon captive. They had driven 
but a short distance when two more men 
appeared, the carriage stopped, and they 
were seated in it, then all drove oni rap- 
idly. To resist them was useless. For 
a moment she, shuddered and grew faint, 
but knowing her only earthly protection 
was in a calm dignity, a wise discretion, 
and temporary submission, she rallied 
her best energies, and was herself again. 
She hoped her brother would hear of the 
discontinuance of the school and coane 
to investigate,. Her mind, was, in a whirl 
of doubt and fear. There was little con- 
versation between these men, but she 
caught some glances that she could not 
fully interpret, and finally one said: 

“Perhaps your entertainment will not 


THE WHITE STONE. 109 

come off this week, or it may be of an- 
other kind.” 

“I don’t know,” replied! Mrs. Rooks- 
beige, “we had a very pretty program 
under preparation.” 

After many turns in the way and evi- 
dently to thoroughly confuse their guest, 
and a ride of nearly two hours, the elder 
drove up to a quaint, adobe house on the 
outskirts of a goodly city. A neat fence 
stood in front, and a well-kept garden 
was at the rear. Upon the porch, to wel- 
come the new comer, stood a buxom wo- 
man whom the man introduced as his 
wife, “Ellen.” Thoroughly in the 
meshes of the net, what could she do? 
The elder showed her in. and after vain- 
ly trying to clear his throat, said she 
would soon be showed to the guest 
chamber, when she could have a quiet 
day to meditate. In a moment, a pale- 
faced young woman, with a babe at her 
breast, entered. 

“Lena, show Mrs. Rockslbege to the 
room above,” said! the man gruffly. 

Mrs. Rooksibege followed her, and 


110 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

once alone, with every door closed 1 , she 
withdrew] to the most retired cornier, 
and then ponrad out her soul to God 
for deliverance from the jawfst of death. 

Soon came the call for dinner. With 
a throbbing heart she responded., but 
could not eat, she drank her tea, and 
tried to appear composed. As. soon as 
possible, excusing herself to goi to her 
room, she cast a pitiful eye upon Lena, 
and played a moment with heir baby, as 
she passed,. 

“I love children. If you are very 
busy I will keep your baby for a while,” 
said Mrs. Rockshegie, as the little one 
extended its. arms to be taken, in happy 
recognition of the true mother-heart, 
that so unspeakably yearned for her own 
dear love of Aidla, and' all her brother’s 
family. Taking the child, she went to 
her chamber. 

Once more alone .she thought: “What 
a systemi this is ! No. words or tongue can 
describe itsi horrors. If I ever escape 
what will I do to make known the depths 
of this iniquity! Some of these wives, 


THE WHITE STONE. 


Ill 


or concubines, pale, spiritless, very 
slaves — others bold), loud, talking glib- 
ly of tbe principles they have em- 
braced!.” Looking out of her window 
she gazed, upon the beautiful valley, and 
where the ragged' peaks stood up, dark 
and frowning, against the clear sky. No 
chained captive in his dungeon,, was ever 
more fully cut off from all re,lie£, more 
closely guarded against escape.” 

“This baby face! I can-kisisi it, and it 
will not betray me,” and Mrs. Rocks, bege 
wiped away the forbidden tear, for she 
must be brave at this juncture. 

The s|addest day must close,, and night 
throws her pall over all its deeds. Sleep, 
Mrs. Rocksbege could) not — she looked 
out over the slumbering, city, and 
thought of. the hundreds whose motives 
had been a® pure as her own;, but who 
had been ensnared to their destruction 
by these satanic elders. Surely God 
could and would “deliver” her “from the 
hand, of all. her enemies,” and she, whis- 
pered to herself: “When thou passest 
through the waters), I will be with thee; 


112 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

and though the rivers, they shall not 
overflow thee; when thou walkest 
through the fire, thoui shalt not 
be burned,, neither shall the flame kindle 
upon thee.” A calm fell upon her trou- 
bled spirit, and she added: “Yes, I have 
His promise, “I will never leave thee 
nor forsake thee, and — she slowly added 
— I will trust Him in the deepest dark- 
ness. 

Men talk of courage to face death ! it 
is nothing compared toi that sometimes 
required to face life! 

The elder was aiway much of the time, 
and when there hadi little to< say to Mrs. 
Rocksbege, but as day followed day, she 
found many opportunities to help, and 
to observe in this house of many wives. 

Tim was a little orphan waif, who did 
stray jobs for anybody, and was often 
about these premises to gather up the 
crumbs andi anything he could find. 
More frequently he received cuffs and 
harsh wordlsi than bread or smilesw 

Mrs. Rocksbege determined;, if pos- 
sible, to make friends with this 1 lonely 


THE WHITE STONE. 118 

boy, so one d!a,y she offered to mend his 
clothes and asked him' tO' her room. Her 
gentle, motherly way won the lad;, and 
©he scon felt that in him she might find 
an agent to secure her escape, unless- her 
plan should be discovered- and he dis- 
appear entirely. A few days passed, 
Tim coming ©very morning to see if he 
could do anything for his new, and 
would-be friend'. Mrs. Rocksibege was 
careful to always have her door 
wide open, or at least broadly ajar, for 
©he had- learned that she even now was 
in the same city where her brother 
lived, although her environments were 
so different, she would not have known 

it, had not 1 Lena chanced 1 to refer to 

street and wish slhe could; see a certain 
“show,” of which Mrs. Rocksibege knew.. 

This day, she gave Tim a bag of mar- 
bles, which she had intended for her 
pupils, and being alone that moment 
with him,, she whispered: 

“Do you hear any news on the street? 
any inquiries being made?” Then cast- 
ing a furtive glance to be very sure no- 


114 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 
body was near, she added: “Don’t: ask 
any questions, but listen to everything 
and tell me as you can. Don’t betray 
me.” 

“All rigkt. I’ll do my best,” said the 
boy. 

With his bag of marbles', Tim went off 
flying down the street:, and up another 
and; around to> a third, till he saw a 
group of policemen., and also a boy 
whom he knew well, and clapping him 
on the back said., “Hello! got any mar- 
bles-? I’ll bet you haven't as many as 
me. Look at this bag full. Y ou can’t 
beat me neither.” 

“I hain-’t no marbles,” answered his 
chum. “Dad never gives me nothing. 
I wanted to go fidhin’ and hie wouldn’t 
give me any hooksi, and told: me to get 
out?” 

“I struck a big lead. There’s a new 
wife up at the elder’s, a mighty nice 
woman she is, used to he; a teacher up in 
the country, and she gave these to me. 
She was going to give ’em to her schol- 
ars but didn't. I’ll lend you some;, only 


THE WHITE STONE. 115 

we mustn't play for “keeps,” and both 
boys were quickly shooting marbles on 
the sidewalk. 

They had not noticed a larger boy, 
well-dressed but anxious looking who 
walked slowly behind/ them as they 
chatted along, then stood a moment, 
uncertain whether to pass, or stop and 
abruptly ask some questions about this 
“new wife.” His heart throbbed; so he 
could hardly speak. That his mother 
had given these marbles he was positive, 
for the “bag” was 1 so familiar to his eyes 
— she had often filled it as a prize to her 
boys for good behavior or promptness 
at the school. What was wisest? The 
boy must know where his mother was. 

“Hello, boys, who beats? Who’s got 
the most ? Did you win ’em?” asked; the 
stranger lad. 

“No sir-ee,” said! the younger. “A lady 
gave ’em to him; he never had no such 
lot more’n I have.” 

“Who was so kind?” 

“Oh, the eider’s new wife. Her name 
was Rocksbege. I’m going to live with 


116 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

her some time afteitir she’s all married). 
She’s mighty nice' — look at that! put a 
patch on my pants and I wore ’em toe* 
and she sowed, up this hole in my sleeve. 
Nobody ever done that for Tim before.” 

Tim, at first, had) chosen the spot near 
the police that he might overhear theii 
gossip, but had quite forgotten that, be- 
ing too far awiay to really hear readily, 
till he caught the single sentence, “They 
expect to drive her off round by the 
cross roads,” and 1 looking up, as if lis- 
tening, a policeman caught his- eye, and 
with a whirl of his club, exclaimed,, “Get 
out of this, blocking up the sidewalk! 
get out!” and gave the marbles a kick. 

Stopping to gather up those treasures, 
he then ran around the corner, the well- 
dressed lad rapidly walking in the same 
direction. Overtaking him in a quiet 
place, he said to Tim: 

“Where is that elder’s bouse? I’ll 
pay you good if you’ll tell me sure, and 
carry a message to her from Ira?” 

“Be you the Ira she spoke about?” 

“Yes.” 


THE WHITE STONE. 


117 


“She’s on street, in the big adloibe 

house, over the parlor. Guesis they’re 
going to spirit her away tomorrow 
night. Did you hear about them ‘cross 
roacU.’ I’ll tell her in the morning and 
tell her of you, too.” 

“O, yes,” said Ira. “Come with me 
now aind tell my uncle amid sister all 
about it.” 

“I diasn’t, but you come over early to- 
morrow', and I guess you’ll find her. 

“No. You come along with me; will 
take care of you forever if you’ll only 
show me where my mother is.” 

Finally Tim followed Ira to his 
uncle’s home with the glad news. 

In the; adobe house, at the supper ta- 
ble, Lena looked specially weiary, while 
Ellen was wild' and boisterous), evidently 
greatly excited over something — just 
What Mrs. Rocksbege could only conjec- 
ture. Finally, turning to her, Lena 
said, “Will you help me a few minutes 
tonight, the others are so busy. This 
work must be done and! I am too sick 


to do it.” 


118 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

“Certainly,” ©aid Mrs. Rocksbege, tak- 
ing tbie baby, and starting for the room 
above,. Lena greatly surprised Mrs. 
Rocksbege by softly closing the door and 
slipping the bolt; then whispering, she 
©aid : 

“Thank God ! I’ve found a chance to 
speak to you tonight,, for if you do wihat 
I am sure you are planning to do it wilil 
cost you your life. I’ve known such 
©Genes before, and. tried it myself. That 
elder don’t belong here,. He’s only 
watching you, and our orders are very 
strict to guard your escape. Don’t try 
to run away, but get some word quickly 
a© possible to your friends. Use Tim; 
nobody ever suspects him; he’s hanging 
around every where like a hungry dog, 
but he loves you. I can see that. Have 
your folks rescue tomorrow from here. 
It will probably cost the boy ’si life, but 
he’s nobody anyhow, anidi perhaps mine 
if they find out I told you; but I don’t 
care. Lose no time when hie comes to- 
morrow, f or the elder has his plan, and 
soon an order will come to execute it. 


THE WHITE STONE. 119 

Oh, mo words cairn tell how I suffer imthiis 
life. How could I have been induced to 
leave my southern mountain home for 
this ‘Jerusalem^?’ Good-byej, my ‘work’ 
is dome. I’l/L go below mow,” and; she 
quietly slipped out. 

That long evening was spent in wrest- 
ling prayer— like Jacob she met the an- 
gel, and, would not let him go except he 
bless her. As one star and another ap- 
peared, she wondered if Aida and Ira 
could long to see her asi she to see them 
— was this night to be her last before 
her release, or before a plunge into some 
still unknown abyss of evil — some “en- 
dowment house ”-e-and again she prayed 
so earnestly for deliverance. . . 

At Mr. Norton’ s all was commotion. 
Tim told all he knew, and the manner 
of the boy was assuring of hisi truthful- 
ness. AnyWay they must try. The res- 
cue must be that night at the midnight 
hour, when sleep is deepest. Aidla said 
carriages must be ready — Mr. Weller’s 
and their own. Tim, Ira and her uncle 
should take the two-seated, close rig, and 


120 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

she amid Mr. Weller would go in the other 
— they would be armed if needful — but 
surely a familiar voice at her mother’s 
window would awaken her, and she 
could' at least leap for life. The hour 
came, the rigs were ready and the party 
started by different ways to meet at a 
certain corner, then to drive quietly to 
the place. Never did company rely 
■more upon the blessing of heaven than 
did this. As they left her aunt, Aida 
commented : “He has staid, ‘I will guide 
thee with mine eye;,’ and He will.” Ar- 
riving at the adobe house Mr. Norton, 
Mr. Weller and Aida carefully entered 
the enclosure, and beneath her window 
Mr. Norton siaid: 

“Mary.” 

“Mother,” said Aida, and in a moment 
her form, appeared at the, open window. 

“Jump,” said Aida, “jump and I’ll 
catch you.” 

Mr. Norton stepped quickly beneath 
to catch his sister in his strong arms, 
but the leap was beyond and Aida’s lov- 
ing arms were the: first to receive her 


THE WHITE STONE. 121 

mother. Severely injured; by the fall, 
Mr. Norton! instantly picked up his sister 
and with Mr. Weller’s help all were out 
of the yard and driving off at rapid speed 
before the inmates of the “house” bad 
hardly wakened, to the situation. 

“Oh, Mother,” said Ira, “How good 
God is to- save you to us. Aidia and I 
have prayed all the time for you. I knew 
she would save you some way. The 
angels told me so, but they sent Tim and 
not the little girl you used to help so 
much to lead you.” 


122 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE REUNION AND SEPARATION. 

That night the joy of thle Norton 
household knew no limit and, Tim:, for 
the first timie in his life, wias the hero of 
the hour, and they ail premised that he 
should henceforth be well eared for, and 
that it would b© better for him; to go 
east, and b© placed: at school. Aida 
would attend to his expenses, and' select 
a good family school. Mrs. Rocksr 
bege, in her fall had sprained heir ankle 
and knee quite badly, and to lessen the 
pain, they quickly applied hot water 
and arnica, till she was easy, but phy- 
sical pain was nothing itjo heir in this 
hour of her freedom and of her union 
with her own dear ones,. All hearts 
were so full they could scarcely speak 
to each other of the scenes of the night. 
Peter’s release from prison was not a 


THE WHITE STONE. 123 

greater surprise to him, than was Mrs. 
Rocksbege’s to her. 

The morning of Aida’s departure for 
Utah arrived ere long, the vacation was 
nearly closed and her school building 
required some attention. She was glad 
to leave yet sad, for their friends, Mr. 
and Mrs. Norton would remain, there — 
and now they were all bound together 
so closely, she could not bear the 
thought. She must manage to get them 
back east soon, for trouble would: cer- 
tainly grow, sooner or later, to them, for 
all these experiences. There were 
needy home mission churches near 
Mrs. Rockisbege,. Surely they would 
try to find an opening, worthy the man, 
then the sister and brother could 
meet frequently, and Ira have his uncle’s 
advice as needed. 

Previous to this greatest trial of their 
lives the influence of this pastor’s home 
had been wonderfully sweet to Aida. 
As she realized what two people, de- 
voted to each other andi to Christ had 
accomplished, could accomplish:, her 


124 AIDA RCOKSBEGE AND 

own. heart turned ini sorrow to Duane 
Deeland. He was struggling on alone 
far away, and she would! soon be|, alone, 
and each doing the duty which God 
seemed to assign. Did) she read Provi- 
dence correctly? How far did man’s 
©pinion interfere in that providence? 
Did her faith hesitate? Almost, yet, 
she did feel she was doing right and the 
end would reveal it so,, therefore she 
would courageously go forward. God 
would care for His own. 

With full hearts they bade farewell, 
and as the homeward, journey was be- 
gun, Aida al moist feared to travel with- 
out ain escort for some distance, lest 
some mesh of the old net of Latter Day 
Saints might still ensnare them, but on 
and on they safely sped and danger was 
passed. Nothing specially eventful oc- 
curred and the mother, son and sister 
fully rested in each other’s love. At 
St. Louis they parted for the year — Mrs. 
ItoiS'ksbege and Ira going to their own 
home and Aida to N. to arrange for her 
school. 


THE WHITE STONE. 125 

•Her ample means now made it pos- 
sible for her to accomplish much that 
she longed to do for the dark race ,and 
to their interests she would) devote her- 
self afresh. 

Dusk was falling over the landscape 
as she neared her journey’s end,, and the 
lights in the city began to twinkle in the 
distance. Passengers bustled about 
gathering bundles and packages, don- 
ning outside wraps and anxiously peer- 
ing here and there lest, perchance, some- 
thing was forgotten. The brakeman 
hurried through the car, while the bag- 
gage porter solicited patronage. Fol- 
lowing the general impulse, Aida arose 
and gathered her belongings, but with a 
curious sinking in her heart, as she 
thought of the cold) welcome at the 
boarding house when she would find 
supper waiting, in response to her tele- 
gram announcing her return. 

Her mind reverted to the dear friends 
whom she had! left; tears filled her eyes, 
as she arose and followed the jostling 
crowd to the outside. 


120 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

“I beg your pardon! Is thiis Miss 
Rosk&bege?” said a voice at Aida’s sidei, 
a band at the same time grasping be, ns 
in a hearty fashion. 

Startled from ber sad thoughts, she 
looked! and saw with pleasure and; sur- 
prise Judge Sbirley, ber aunt’s lawyer 
and life-long friend), and now ben exec- 
utor. 

“I went to your boarding place,” said 
be, “and learned that you were expected 
on tibis train, so determined to com© and 
meet you.” 

“That was sucb a kind; thought,” said 
Aida. “You cannot know bow much I 
appreciate it.” 

They went through the crowded sta- 
tion, and at Aidia’s request, walked to 
her boarding place. As they passed 
along the streets;, many dusky faces 
lighted up at sight of her, many hats 
were lifted, and all were delighted to see 
their teacher, friend and benefactor. 

“I doan thought you nebber cornin' 
back. Miss Aida,” said on©. 

“We did miss you powerful,” said an- 


THE WHITE STONE. 127 

other. Many expressions of joy greeted 
her ears. 

Judge Shirley saidi, leaving her at her 
door: “I came to the city principally on 
business connected! with your estate, 
and as my time iis limited., may I call 
later, this evening?” 

Not long after Aida received him, be- 
fore a glowing fire in the sitting rooim, 
for the nights were chilly. Business 
matters being satisfactorily settled, 
Judlge Shirley said abruptly: 

“Miss Aida, may I say to you what I 
have in my miindi?” — then added: “As 
your aunt’s legial advisor and 1 friend, as 
well as for your own personal worth, I 
am greatly interested in your welfare, 
and feel that I should fail in duty, did I 
not tell you what my heart bids: meisay.” 

“Yes,” said; Aida. “Your advice on any 
subject is valuable. I am a willing lis- 
tener.” 

“Let me ask,” said: the judge, “Do you 
fully realize the magnitude of what you 
have undertaken to do? Have you fully 
considered all the points: in the case?” 


138 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

“Perhaps mot,” saidi Aida, “I think we 
have funds enough to carry out our 
plans by economy, and! my heart is very 
fully ini the work. I am: really alone 
in the world, and have no one to consult 
with especially in. the: matter.” 

“That is just it,” burst forth the 
judge. “You are alone. Hadl you a 
father, I should not say this 1 — but I am 
southern born and bred. My large 
business and constant contact with peo- 
ple of all classes and conditions has 
made me less conservative than most 
of my neighbors. Have you considered 
the prejudice toward you, felt by the 
better class of people — your natural as- 
sociates? Have you decided to be 
ostracized , ignored, perhaps shunned by 
your own class, if you again take up this 
work?” 

“I have already been through that,” 
said Aida. 

“If you go on you will be considered 
but little better than the negro himself.” 

Aida gazed at him with a steady, earn- 
est look in her great eyes. 


THE WHITE STONE. 


129 


“My dear child, I recognize your sin- 
cerity and goodness 1 of heart in taking 
up this burden, butt, can you not be con- 
tent to give only of your means? Had 
I a lovely daughter like you, would I 
allow her it© be her own destructor, so- 
cially speaking? My child, you are 
facing a wall of prejudice. Y ou cannot 
overcome it. Can you endure it? O, 
my child, give of your abundant means, 
but come, grace my home by your pres- 
ence. My wife and I will give you a 
daughter’s place,. You shall have all 
the enjoyment that wealth and position 
can give;” then| playfully, “Who 
knows what a brilliant match you may 
be destined to make, with your beauty^ 
your rare voice and all your accom- 
plishments. Besides,, all. your presence 
would cheer our two lonely hejarts.” 

Much more he said-, then rising, gave 
Aida his hand for good night, adding: 
“Think on this well, and before I leave 
the city tomorrow, I Will call for your 
answer.” 

Oh! Had she not been wronging 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 130 

herself, been ovemscrupulous! What 
need hinder this trium-phanit cause, as 
sketched by the judge; she could be a 
reigning belle admired and courted by 
people in highest positions, and she 
knew she would be if at his home. Then 
Duane. Yes, it needed a word for her 
to bring him to her as quickly as steam 
could convey him. Mechanically, she 
raised her hand to her throat to grasp 
the locket, as she often did, when set- 
tling any question of duty, and sud- 
denly her air castle fell to dust. That 
precious locket, her father, the secret 
Borrow of his life and hers. How it 
came surging back with overwhelming 
force ! The happy smile died out on her 
lip, and she sank upon her knees, her 
head bowed; by sorrow. For a long 
time silence reigned, at last she prayed: 

“Father, forgive! that I was for one 
moment dazzled by thoughts of earthly 
joy and ambition. They are not for 
such as I. Father, my life is thine, con- 
secrated to thy service by ties which 
Thou alone dost know. As thou didst 


THE WHITE STONE. 13t 

belar thy cross for me, help me to bear 
thy cross for thy sake and thy people’s.” 

When Judge Shirley calflied next day 
for his ansrwer Aida said: “Thank you 
earnestly for your tempting offer, but 
my work is among this people. I fear 
not the future.” 

There was a peace upon her face the 
judge could not understand! — he only 
looked! and tried to fathom it. 

“I surely may take a deep interest in 
all you do, and shall be glad to call 
whenever I am in town. God bless you 
and! your work!” and the judge went 
out. 


132 


AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 


CHAPTER 13. 

After writing to Ira and, taking a few 
hour’s rest, Aida felt that she moist be- 
gin to pick up the tangled threads of life. 
She had scarcely unpacked! her trunk, 
when the expressman called with a small 
package from Utah. Receipting for it, 
before looking at it, she supposed 1 it was 
from her uncle, but lo ! she sow the fa- 
miliar chirography of Duane Leeland. 
Her heart bounded!. Was he in Utah! 
Nervously cutting the cord, she gave the 
paper a twitch, when out dropped, a let- 
ter and a small jewel box, addressed; by 
her dear Duane’s hand. She read: 

iMy Dearest Aida: My life has been a 
desolate one without you. I could not 
longer stay abroad, and knowing my 
sister was visiting in Utah, and about to 
return home, I was impelled by some 
unseen but irresitible influence to seek 
again my native land!. I had also strange 


THE WHITE STONE. 133 

impressions of great trial to you, in 
which I should; hear a part, but I had no 
idea of you, yourself, being in Utah. I 
arrived there the day before you left. 
The town was* alive with the' strange 
history of your mother’s rescue and the 
sudden disappearance of Tim, whom you 
so promptly entered at Park college. 
Words are powerless to express my re- 
gret, that I, too, could n ot have aided you 
faithfully ini that search, but we will 
soon meet, and talk of it all. Soon after 
arriving here, I went to my sister’s 
room, and finding her out, I spied), with- 
in her bureau drawer, a little case, which 
I recognized instantly as yours. How 
she came by it I know not, but I do know 
its value is unspeakable to you, and I 
simply slipped it into my pocket to make 
sure of its safety. Dare I say hOw much 
I wanted to open it ! The temptation 
was almost irresistible, for I long to 
know your reason why our lives may 
not move on as one in this world, hut 
my intense love for you prevailed. I 
speed' the case to you unopened. In a 


134 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

few dlays my sister and, I will return to 
N., and then,, 0, then to see you once 
more!” Affectionately, DUANE. 

Poor Aida! she laughed and she cried, 
she kissed! the letter and. kissed, the case, 
she was too happy for expression, her 
father’s gift her one keepsake recover- 
ed!, and, — Duane! surely he was the light 
of her life, to have again his advice and 
encouragement in her work was 1 worth 
so much to her. God had been so kind, 
so true to His promises. She could 
never, never doubt His faithfulness. Se- 
lecting a strong cord as a temporary 
guard, she hung the case about her neck, 
and felt she was herself once more. 

Her duties, hadi been so heavy the pre- 
vious year, many finishing touches to the 
building were yet ungiven. The music 
and art rooms, were all incomplete, but 
the pupils had met regularly in chapel 
for vocal music, sight-reading proving 
a very recreation. Naturally observant 
and imitative, and Aida’s voice being 
so clear, sweet and, full, and her control 
of it so complete, her pupils quickly 


THE WHITE STONE. 135 

■caught her method' of breathing, and 
their voices, always so' penetrating and, 
pathetic,, developed, a new strength and 
sweetness, which greatly encouraged 
Aida. If these young people, at their 
own homes, wouldl substitute the pure, 
deviating songs of the chapel for the 
low doggerel of the streets, who could 
tell the purifying effect upon every lis- 
tener. She had al way s instructed them 
in writing, and not a few had: developed 
special facility, even at pen drawing, 
— were really “embryoi artists.” 

In their homes there were few or no 
books, and while every student was 
happy to prepare an. assigned “lesson” 
of any length, and would cheerfully 
look up “references” when directed — 
because it was “the lesson,” few bad 
reached the plain where they enjoyed 
reading for its own sake, and the Li- 
brary had been selected with special ref- 
erence to this need. Aida watched with 
pleasure the manifest influence upon 
nearly every puipdl. To give free 
play to their imaginations, and to teach 


136 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

them language, she often placed!, before 
the school, some large picture with vari- 
ous salient points in it, and! required an 
essay from every pupil upon it. This 
exericse was a general favorite, and 
often pupils would! write two or more 
wholly different stories from the same 
illustration. Would any novelist ever 
arise, from her school, to startle the 
land? 

One day., after classes had been dis- 
missed from chapel, Aida sat alone upon 
the platform in a contemplative mood. 
The electrical sweetness of their voices, 
singing in perfect time, and with rare 
expression 1 /‘Lead,, Kindly Light” had 
thrilled her, till her heart responded to 
the Invisible Presence. As her large, 
humid eyes turned their orbs heaven^ 
ward, a little girl stopped,, half way up 
the aisle, and in hushed! admiration, 
waited a signal to advance and deliver 
the morning mail. Entranced, she still 
stood, for Miss Aida’s eyes were penetrat- 
ing the ethereal blue, and her ears! wait- 
ing some heavenly message. Finally 


THE WHITE STONE. 137 

noting the presence of the -child; she 
s-aid: “Come, Fanny. Have you the 
mail today?” 

“Yes, ma’m, but was you way off in 
heabben? You looked 1 like you was 
an angel, so lovely I -didn’t want you to 
stir. It’s nice for u© to siee angels here, 
and for you to see God.” 

A few words to the waiting lassie and 
Aida opened her letters. Many were 
applications to enter the school, inquir- 
ies about ift, could she take pupils 1 “to 
work their way?” could she “help ’em 
some;” they “was powerful anxious to 
coime but hadn’t -much money; Pap was 
•dead, and mamma had a big family.” 
One letter, no more determined than 
the others, -struck her especially, for it 
voiced so earnestly the desire in thou- 
sands of hearts for an education. It 
commenced: 

“To Seminary, to you all, if there 

is any chance of me getting in 
there to schoo-l on the first of No-v.,, the 
next month or coming, I am a poor girl, 
and I want to work my way, I can pay 


138 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

a money perhaps. My another is a 
widow woman and she is not able to 
send me as I wish to come, but wall you 
please make room for me, if it is possi- 
ble. Do please let me in, the first of 
next month, if you please. I was raised 
up coriactly, but I am poor, and will you 
please make room for me, and I will 
come on the first of, the mo. and work 
my time out. My desire is to work my 
way as long as I can stay there. Please 
send ime word right away whether I can 
come or not. My father hasi been dead 
for several years, and, my mother is a 
wider and she is not able to school me 
and I want to try to work and school 
myself if I can. I haven seen, any cata- 
logue. I don’t know what the fair is. 
Will you please send me word what I 
can do, for the Lord’s sake please make 
room for me if possible. 'Write back to 
me and tell me when I can come in, and 
bow long I can .stay and tell me all fair 
for going there to school. Please send 
me good incoragement for coming. I 
will close whenever you send' word to 
come, sio please answer soon. 

M. D. H. 


THE WHITE STONE. 139 

She wished, she could say “yes, come;’ 
to all such, but the school was, especially 
in the boarding department, to raise up 
leaders,, and only the best could! be ac- 
cepted. She would investigate this one. 

She wished some factory might be 
connected with the school — a broom fac- 
tory perhaps. The boys couldl raise the 
corn, anid boys anid girls make the 
brooms. Could she dispose well of the 
goods? Something she must devise, 
that more of the deserving could help 
themselves to an. education. 

She read other letters ; one from a girl 
whom, for several years, she had faith- 
fully trained, sure of good results to the 
race through her influence. Noting its 
beautiful ohirography, perfect spelling, 
and well constructed sentences, she un- 
consciously cont rasteidl the two, and 
mentally exclaimed:, “Yes, what; may 
not an education do for these people !” 

“To send out one such missionary isi 
worth the labor of my life, but there are 
so many, many, as efficient, who are 
letting their lights ‘shine for Jesus.’ ” 


140 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AN-D 

Her assistant principal, Miss B., pass- 
ioilg that moment, Aida Galled: “Miss B., a 
letter from Mary McL. Will you listen? 

“Certainly,” and Aida read: 

My Dear Frienld: I am glad to write 
you tonight. I often, think of you and 
Wish to hear, but I know the many things 
that claim yoiuir attention.lt Wouldi be im- 
posing to write often, expecting to get 
a,n answer. I do feel very thankful to 
you for taking H., and I hope her train- 
ing may fit her for much service for our 
people. I am teaching now in R. R., 
and oh, the work I find here to. dlo, I shan’t 
try to tell. I am trying to do something 
for the Master, I have hopes of doing 
some good as all seem anxious. I hold 
Bible class with the old people once a 
week. We have a small Siund'ay school, 
hut no literature, not one Bible or any- 
thing, except a few quarterlies. How 
glad I wouldi be to. have some Sunday- 
school papers for the children, as they do 
vo mulch good in getting them to 
come to Sunday-school. I shall find 1 
any papers you have to spare of much 


THE WHITE STONE. 141 

use, and the Lord knows just how thank- 
ful I will he, I hope you will send 1 me 
something,, for I shall never cease to 
thank God for thle religious training I 
got in those blessed walls. And espec- 
ially that from the Bible, what I know 
in Bible means the whole, success of my 
life, and I do thank God, you and the 
North of such blessed gifts. It fills my 
heart to overflow with thanks just to 
think of it. The Lord only know|s how 
I crave and wish for just two more years 
there, if no more. But it seems it will 
never be. I have hoped and waited for 
a change ini my condition until I have 
despaired. If I don’t see my way out 
this year, I shall give up all, and not try 
to come back any more. Your Devoted 
Pupil. 

Another very hastily written note was 
for a girl, Mary N.„ whose mother Aida 
bad often befriended, and) Who had most 
zealously saved, every penny to educate 
her family of four. All were now sick, 
and would Miss Aidla please come to see 
them, and, if possible bring a nurse. 


142 AIDA RCOKSBEGE AND 

for they were so ill. That afternoon 
Aida went to the little cabin and there 
found the mother with the baby and old- 
est daughter, Sal, very sick in one bed, 
and near by, on the cot, was Jim, a 1-adi of 
seventeen, while Mary, a g)irl of four- 
teen, was trying to care for them all. 
The poor mother raised her eyes and see- 
ing Aida almost crejid, for joy, — then 
said: “We’s powerful glad to 

see you. O, we’s awful sick — 
and' such a backache and headache, 
seemed like we would die sure! and 
dem chills,, dey ain’t like, de ordinary 
chills, and we vomited so hard! I 
thought we’d all be better after dat, but 
ma’m, we ain’t, none of us. Jes see wbat 
nasty tongues, we has, so white, and so 
red on the edges. The baby seems 
easier, but we can’t, none of us, hardly 
drink water, but we has to drink all de 
time. Jim, dar, he’s been talkin’ all 
kinds o’ n'onteemsie, he’s out o’ liis head, 
Miss Aida. O, Miissi Aida, can’t you 
tell us what to do? You’s; been such a 
sweet angel to me, I felt like jeis’ to see 


THE WHITE STONE. 143 

you would) make us most well,” and her 
red eyes fairly shone in their feverish 
brilliancy. Then she continued: 

“Pray for us, my mouth is so dry I 
can’t speak wad out wetting it widi dis 
yer rag ,but my head's clear. Bress de 
Lor for dat! Sal’s had fits;; yes, fits 
right yere be slide me, and the baby, too. 
Do help us, Miss Aida.” 

Aida had' never seen such cases before, 
but she was sure it was yellow fever. 
What should she do? It must be re- 
ported 1 ,. She, dared not go back to her 
own school lest she convey the fatal 
germs to all that company. What should 
she do? Momentous possibilities are 
cften crowded into a few brief mo- 
ments. Aida lifted her eyes to God in 
fervent, unsipoken supplication 1 — never 
hadi she been so overwhelmed with her 
absolute helplessness. Would she stay 
and care for these four, and the fifth 
who was. rapidly sickening, and 1 so re- 
strict it to this household and herself ?or, 
what should she do? “Prayer is the 
soul’s sincere desire,” and; she did so un- 


144 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

speakably desire to know her duty. The 
sallow au'gel of the dark flood surely 
hovered near, and. baby and Sal were 
not long for this world, if, indeed the 
mother and Jim could, be saved. She 
quickly went to the authorities and re- 
ported the case, asking that somebody 
be sent. Shei would return and keep 
“quarantine” until the nurse could 
come. 

“Will you?” earnestly asked the mem- 
ber of the Board, of Health, “will you? 
It means death, to you ,if you do.” 

'“It may, but I’m there, and. know; how 
to restrict it, if anybody does. You simply 
go to my school and tell Miss B. to man- 
age it the best she possibly can, till far- 
ther plans are made. God’s providence 
took me to this, lowly family,. and I will 
not forsake them. Good bye, be quick, 
please.” 

As Aida returned she felt within her- 
self a fearful consciousness, that in her 
own depleted condition after the ner- 
vous excitement of her mother’s, experi- 
ences, that she was a fit subject for this 


THE WHITE STONE. 145 

dreadful contagion, buit she could trust. 
The news of “yellow fever” spread like 
wild-fire and no money could, hire a 
nurse to care for the stricken household. 
“The ‘nigger teacher’ wtas there and 
could stay better than anybody else.” 

Time seems long and the days end L 
less, when alone with such a grim mes- 
senger. There was- a little cook-house 
outside, and this Aida determined to 
prepare, as quickly as she could, that, if 
she, herself, should! be stricken, she 
could lie there, and not in this cabin with 
all the others, should they convalesce.. 
Nothing should be left to the last that 
could be attended 1 to now. Suiting the 
action to the word, Aida made due pre- 
paration 1 , iais best she could. The doctor 
pronounced 1 the case thorough yellow 
fever. Two surely must die, and very 
soon, for they were in the last collapse. 
Stepping again to the baby, he found it 
gone already. Sal’s black vomit had 
lessened, hut, while they talked, the last 
spasm came, and she, too, had died,. 
Mary and Aida could only lay the two 


146 AIDA RCOKSBEGE AND 

sickening forms upon the: floor. The 
doctor offered no assistance, indeed was 
sc dazed by the suddenness 1 and violence 
of the cases, hei could scarcely control 
his judgment. Coffins must be sent, 
and the bodies removed speedily, the 
‘"city” must do that. Aida told him in 
full her plan for herself, if stricken, to 
occupy the cook-house and requested 
him to bring her some supplies. 

Soon two colored men came with cof- 
fins, and a third 1 — a white man — none 
other than Duane Leeland! Seeing 
him, Aida bounded to the door, declar- 
ing he must not come in; no, not for 
anything! But he wias already there, 
with a quantity of supplies, for the doc- 
tor had spoken freely of Miss Rocks- 
bege’si wonderful plans and composure 
in case she s'hpuld be stricken, and he 
was determined now to stay with her; 
if they died, they would die together; 
if either sickened, the other should be 
most assiduously cared, for. Duane and 
Aida were to be the “nurses,” etc., 
of this desolate family. 


THE WHITE STONE. 147 

Days passed. The mother slowly comr 
valesced. Jim’s strong constitution 
was surely carrying him through, and 
Mary’s attack was light. Scarcely eight 
days hadl lapsed, when 1 Aida was sure 
she was a victim. Her bloodshot eyes 
and quick pulse also betrayed it to 
Duane. That it was to be no slight af- 
fair was evident, and Aidla already 
heard the angels calling. Fearing she 
soon might not be able to talk coherent- 
ly, and wishing supremely to commit 
heir school, with all its possibilities to 
Duane, and to fulfill her promise as to the 
secret of her life, she would do it now. 
Calling Duane to her, as she felt the 
deadly throes of the fever, she said : 

“My precious friend, individuals die, 
but institutions live. To you, and to 
mother, and Ira, I commit this new Semi- 
nary. May its influence never waver 
from the strictest Bible standards. As 
you have been so faithful to me and it, 
thus far, you will continue so to be. It 
is the work of my life; to upbuild that 
people and it will be not less your life’s 
work.” 


148 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

“My .promise must be fulfilled, and 
that you may know better the reason of 
my course], let me tell you now. Don’t 
think less of my precious father, but 
labor hardier for thie upbuiLdJing of these 
needy ones, in truest morality and heart 
Christianity. When my father was a 
young man, he frequently saw a young 
slave on a neighboring plantation; she 
was so lovely, so sweet in. her disposi- 
tion, and iso earnest in her desires to 
learn, he was greatly drawn to her, and 
sought occasion to have her aid him in 
various ways, his own object being to 
instruct her all he could; without call- 
ing forth the law. Ae she learned of 
books, and revelled' in the real beauties 
of poetic fancy, she revealed to him the 
unalloyed loveliness of a true soul. She 
was the child of a “quadroon,,” but he 
really loved her, and notwithstanding 
Cher dark hair and eyes, she was so fair, 
he believed her race contamination could 
not be discovered by any who did not 
know her. Circumstances aided, his 
designs, and ere long he was t'o be sent 


THE WHITE STONE. 149 

abroad by his; father to miainaige am ex- 
tensive business operation!. He deter- 
mined to secretly marry this girl, know- 
ing well the Haw forbidding the inter- 
marriage of the races in the south. The 
girl hesitated long, actually refused., 
w hen he asikeid her hand in this way, * 
but was finally persuaded. They went 
to a distant town where my father had a 
friend, and by him they were married, 
the friend not fully comprehending his 
own deed, and! immediately !hey sailed 
for the Continent. Her master, missing 
his slave, was about to set the blood- 
houndis upon her trail, when a check for 
$1,000 from some unknown party was 
received as ‘payment for Lucinda,’ and 
the matter was- dropped. In many 
parts of the south this was often done 
w,hen a slave was spirited! off by another 
master, and, later, the ransom was re- 
ceived. 

“My father was very proud of his 
wife’s beauty, natural grace and lovely 
heart. She was his untiring theme. He 
would make their home in Europe, and 


150 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

■only the Omniscient would know the 
race tincture. One day, in Florence, the 
young, wife proposed giving a pleasant 
surprise to her husband 1 . She had, from 
a famous art studio, secured her picture, 
and, with a merry joy sparkling in her 
eye, she handled! it to him, as they stood 
upon the beautiful hanks, of the Arno. 
She expected an expression of extrava- 
gant praise, hut, as he gazed; at it, the 
love-light fled, a dark shadow spread 
over hiisi countenance, and with a look 
■of horror, he hurled it from him into the 
sluggish waters of the Arno, and quick- 
ly, silently, walked up the bank. He did 
not see hiis wife’s bewilderment and dis- 
appointment. She could not interpret 
his action, it was so new and strange to 
her. That picture had; been a revela- 
tion to hifm. As he gazed at the minia- 
ture face, notwithstanding the high, full 
forehead!, delicate lips and dainty chin 
of the Anglo-Saxon, there was the un- 
mistakable stamp of the African race;. 
The penetrating light of heaven will not 
lie, and nature’s laws are unchangeable. 


THE WHITE STONE. 151 

Framed by Divinity, and developed by 
heaven’s sunlight the innate character- 
istiesi of a human' being must reveal 
thmeiselves. The stho-ck was so great to 
hits sensitive nerves, that he dropped all 
and left abruptly, lest his wife should 
know his inmost thought. He never 
explained his action to her, but etndeov- 
oreid to show his sincereist love by 
greater attention. In a few months I 
was born, to the great joy of my parents, 
but to me was granted a mother’s' love, 
but a few days, when, my mother was 
called up higher, and 1 I left alone with 
my father. In looking over her effects, 
my father found a duplicate of the pic- 
ture that had given such joy and sad- 
ness. This was now most precious 1 to 
him, but he resolved; never to' let me 
know he had it, for I was to be brought 
up a.s the daughter of a wealthy, white 
gentleman. His relatives in the United 
United States, except Aunt Vincent, er 
States, except Aunt Vincent, never 
kne w the conditions of his marriage, and 
now only knew of my birth and my 


152 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

mother’s dleat'h. To place this sweet 
face in a form more serviceable to him, 
he purchased a most exquisite bit of 
onyx marble, a portion from a vase used 
in the time of Savanarolla for hioly 
water in the cathedral of St. Mark. On 
this pure, wihite stone, with its sacred’ 
memories, he hud painted in fadeless 
water color, the image of her Whom he 
had loved. This, sacred bit, hallowed 
by the martyrdom of a saint, effected 
him strangely, and the beads of water, 
that had dripped, from its edge, seemed 
to touch his heart like the tears of his 
wife, as she looked with astonishment, 
when the first picture sank in the liquid 
depths. In this beautiful case is the 
face of my mother. Hie always wore 
this concealed upon has. heart, and' even 
I never suspected its presence. 

Returning to America, nOt one ever 
knew his secret, save Aun;t Vincent, and 
myself. When I was just ready to gradu- 
ate from college, an attack of typhoid 
fever nearly cost my life. My father 
was over me constantly, and with Aunt 


THE WHITE STONE. 153 

Vincent cared for me. All hope was 
gene, and in my wild delirium, my mind 
turned upon my “angel mother,” as 
father always called her. Would I 
know her? Would she meet me? Was 
he sure I would know her? This nearly 
dirove my father wild, for, in his heart, 
he ever felt himself open to the law, and 
finally, when but a few hour’s of earth 
were left for me at most, to relieve his 
own heart, and check my mania for my 
mother, he took this case, and opening 
it said: Dearest Aida, here is your 
mother, yes, you will know her.’ 

“My eye fell upon a picture, but to my 
highly wrought nerves, only the African 
traits were visible, and I screamed! out: 
‘Am I a nigger? Am I a nigger? Am 
I kin to a nigger!’ and swooned, but the 
very shock was what my system needed 
to bring me ba(ck to life. My father had 
told Aunt Vincent the full story at the 
time he contemplated marrying again, 
and we three vowed it should go no 
farther. But, for my o:wn life. From 
that hour of weakness, my life was 


154 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND “ 

changed!. I was ‘colored,/ my duty was to 
my own race. My associations had been 
such there could be no companionship, 
but a race sympathy, a race pride awoke, 
and this has been the key of my later 
life. 

“At the time my father decided to 
marry Ira’s mother, Aunt Vincent 
begged him to tell his bride, for no secret 
should be between them, but he could 
not. Then she said he ought never to 
many her, but he did, and this letter 
was accidentally found by mother a year 
or so later. To it, and the reticence of 
my father, was due the fact that Aunt 
name was never mentioned) in my 
mother’s presence. 

“The consciousness of my race has 
ever kept me aloof from my mother’s 
affectionate embrace. I loved her, but 
feared if she knew me fully she would 
not love me. I have loved you, Duane, 
more devotedly than heart can tell, but, 
conscious of this taint within my blood 1 , 
I could not marry you. My heart said 
‘Yes,’ my intellect and the law said ‘No.’ 


THE WHITE STONE. 155 

A double life has been mine, but take 
this locket, and after I am gone, wear it 
as a pledge; of a love for you untarnished 
by aught of earth. I thank tlhe dear 
Lord that He has brought me into this 
world to work for my downtrodden, peo- 
ple in: this land' of liberty. When the 
green earth opens its arms to receive 
your body, as she will soon, to accept 
mine, our spirits will be joined in the 
skies. Then will we each receive the 
‘new name,’ neither yours nor mine, but 
‘-which no man knoweth staving he that 
reoeiveth it.’ Till then, let this ‘case’ 
be the pledge of our love. Please open 
it, that we may, together, behold' the face 
of my ‘angel mother.’ ” 

Kissing the picture, Aida passed' the 
case to her lover, who pressed it to his 
lips, at the same time clasping her hand 
tc his bosom, in a loving pledge stronger 
than life itself. 

Aida’s sufferings were becoming 
more and more exquisite. She seemed 
to have power given her for this great 
effort, .and then to sink, as one stage of 


156 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

the disease rapidly followed, another, 
only a few short hours elapsing, ere the 
angeils came and bore her spirit hence. 

Overwhelmed with grief, Duane was 
determined that, at least, Aidia should 
have a gentle , loving burial, and with 
his own hands', he now prepared her for 
her narrow house, and 1 siaw her tenderly 
laid away. He had sent telegrams to 
the loving mother and brother at fre- 
quent intervals, and! now told them the 
sad end, but the secret of her life was 
with him alone. Not neglectful of this 
suffering family, and finding that he was 
not likely to have the fever, after fumi- 
gating as fully as possible and' taking 
every precaution, he, at length, returned 
to the world. The main object of his 
life now was to complete, as fully ais pas- 
sible, the work of her whose life had 
been dearer to him than his owin. 

Years pass. The sunny south is 
dotted all over with thrifty villages and 
cheery dwellings of the educated and 
christianized 1 colored 1 people. There is 
scarcely a large district where the: little 


THE WHITE STONE. 157 

church and the school-house may not be 
found. A race pride has been engen- 
dered. The desire to mix with and 
imitate the ‘whites” is dying out. The 
imitation of Christ, and His teachings, 
and the establishment of true homes is 
paramount. To represent a race useful, 
honorable, intelligent, Christian, the 
glory of the: south is their ambition. The 
center of learning and Christian inftur 
enlce for a large section ils in the col- 
leges at N — , known: as the “Rocksbege 
University,” in memory of its founder. 

About a mile, out of town, on the: banks 
of the beautiful river is the plan- 
tation home of the President of 
the Board! of Trustees of the 
Rocksbege university. A gentleman 
was basking in the setting sun, one au- 
tumn evening and, his wife sat reading 
a little poem from their cousin Phil and 
his wife, Alice, who were missionaries 
in Japan, while their five merry Chil- 
dren romped in happy play upon the 
lawn. Presently a joyous shout went 
up: “Here comes Uncle Duane and 


158 AIDA ROCKSBEGE AND 

Grandma!” and the advancing couple 
were led by the children to a .seat on the 
lawn and affectionatieliy greeted by Ira 
Rocksbege and his wife— his former 
pliaymatei — Grace Harvey. 

“Uncle Duane,” cried Clifford, “L<u- 
cile says yon are not our uncle! You 
are, ain't you?” 

“Why does she say that?” asked 
Duane Leelandi. 

“Because you are not our father’s 
brother, nor our mother’s brother,” re- 
sponded Clifford. 

“Do you remember what the Savior 
replied when told that his “mother and 
brethren were without ?” asked the old 
bachelor. 

Mrs. Rocksbege repeated: “Whoso- 
ever shall do the will of my Father 
which is in heaven, the same is my 
brother and sister and. mother.” 

“Then I know you are our uncle,” per- 
sisted Clifford. 

Nestling ini his grandmother’s lap, 
with his big brown eyes looking up into 
her saintly face, while he coyed with the 


THE WHITE STONE. 1 9 

two little curls on either side, that clung 
as a halo of light, a younger boy said : 
“But the Bible doesn’t say that every- 
body is our grandmother ,does it?” 

“I, alone, am your grandmother, 
Paul,” replied the lady. “God is our 
great Father and Jesus, our elder 
brother. He came to this world, to be 
an example to us. He came ‘to seek and 
save the lost,’ — “not to. be ministered 
unto, but tp minister.’ Let us follow 
him.” 

“It is not the deed we do 
Though the deed be never so fair, 

But the love that the dear Lord looketh for, 

Hidden with lowly care 

In the heart of the deed so fair. 

The love is the priceless thing, 

The treasure our treasures must hold, 

Or ever the Lord will take the gift, 

Or tell the worth of the gold 
By the love that cannot be told. 

Behold us, the rich and the poor, 

Dear Lord in thy service draw near: 

One consecrateth a coin, 

One droppeth only a tear; 

Look, Master, the love is here.” 


(The End.) 

































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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




